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Paul Robeson: Man of the People is a new jazz poetry opera chronicling the life, artistic legacy, and activism of Paul Robeson. This live, multimedia presentation explores the life, creative ethos, and inclusive social vision of concert artist, stage and film actor, athlete, and activist, Paul Robeson. Educator and civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune referred to Mr. Robeson as “the tallest tree in our forest.”Co-created by librettist Lasana D. Kazembe and composer Ernest Dawkins, Paul Robeson: Man of the People will have its Chicago premiere on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 6-7:30 pm in the Fieldhouse at Hamilton Park District, 513 W 72nd St, Chicago. Admission is free, with no reservation or ticket required. This will be the work’s second performance, after an earlier performance in Indianapolis on May 31, 2024.
Mr. Robeson’s epic life story is rendered in a multimedia stage production that features original poetry, operatic storysong, a jazz/blues-infused original score, dramatic narration, video animation, and live visual art.
The opera develops across six movements. The music, songs, and dialogue develop sequentially to reflect Mr. Robeson’s development and maturation into a global icon for freedom.
This extended original work is made possible through the Indiana University Presidential Arts & Humanities Fellowship program.
Performers include Lasana D. Kazembe (spoken word/narration; librettist), Ernest Dawkins (saxophone; score; musical director), Goldie Ingram (vocalist), Corey Wilkes (trumpet), Isiah Keith (piano/vibes), Kevin King (flute/clarinet/oboe/saxophone), Carmani Edwards (double bass), Isiah Spencer (drums/percussion), Caitlyn Edwards (violin), Edith Yokley (violin), Wilfred Farquharson (viola), Tahirah Whittington (cello).
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Hamilton Park Cultural Center, 519 W 72nd St, Chicago, IL 60621-3018, United States,Chicago, Illinois, Evergreen Park