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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Gap fire eclipses 17,500 acres but is slowed by cooler, moist marine air ... Local wineries earn gold ... Voter information for Jackson County ... Gap fire eclipses 17,500 acres but is slowed by cooler, moist marine air ... Local wineries earn gold ... Voter information for Jackson County ... THEATER Remembering a forgotten activist actor One-man show about Paul Robeson comes to Ashland Comment By Vickie Aldous for the Tidings Follow @@VickieAldous DailyTidings.com By Vickie Aldous for the Tidings Follow @@VickieAldous Posted Sep. 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Vickie Aldous for the Tidings Follow @@VickieAldous Posted Sep. 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Like most people these days, Tayo Aluko had never heard of actor and activist Paul Robeson. That changed in 1995, when Aluko, a Nigerian-born, United Kingdom-based baritone singer and architect, was asked to sing at an event welcoming the dawn on the longest day of the year. He chose "My Lord, What a Mornin'." Afterward, a woman came up to him and asked, "You remind me of Paul Robeson. Do you sing many of his songs?" Aluko wasn't familiar with Robeson, but later picked up a biography about the actor who toured internationally, singing and performing in plays and movies. Robeson was often called the "World's Greatest Othello" for his portrayal of the title character in William Shakespeare's "Othello." But Robeson virtually disappeared from the public eye in the 1950s after the U.S. State Department rescinded his passport and he was called before the House Un-American Activities Committee for his political activism and Communist sympathies. "I was angered by how such a towering figure, a fundamentally generous, good and principled fighter for human rights and justice, had been so completely mistreated by his government and forgotten by his people," Aluko says. Determined to raise awareness about Robeson's life, Aluko penned a one-man play about the forgotten actor that he has performed internationally to critical acclaim. Aluko brings his play to Ashland with nightly 5 p.m. performances Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 8-11, at the Ashland Community Center, 59 Winburn Way, across from Lithia Park. Tickets are $28.50 for general admission and $20 for senior citizens and students. Tickets are available by calling 800-838-3006 or by visiting www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2589470 . Aluko says the play covers Robeson's personal and professional relationships, his music, his political activism and his defiant appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee. "I consider one highlight of the play his appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee," Aluko says. "That is in fact what gives the play the title. I imagined an order being sent out to 'Call Mr. Robeson' to come and give his testimony. The committee hadn't realized what a force of nature was about to hit them!" While his support for the Soviet Union brought him notoriety, Robeson's political activism was wide-ranging. A multi-talented man, Robeson played professional football and graduated from law school before his acting and singing career took off. While a star, he traveled internationally, studied African languages and was a critic of colonialism throughout the world, American segregation and lynching, fascism in Spain and demeaning presentations of black characters in film and on stage. His activism crossed color lines. He supported the rights of Australian Aboriginal people as well as working class whites. After his passport was taken away, Robeson's income plummeted and most of his records disappeared from American stores. He was occasionally able to perform concerts before European audiences via telephone. He eventually got his passport back, but his physical and emotional health deteriorated. After a suicide attempt and years of health problems, he passed away in 1976. "The most inspiring thing was the fact that he stuck so doggedly to his principles in the full knowledge that his personal and professional health and life were being adversely affected," Aluko says. Aluko says most people who know anything about Robeson remember him as a once-famous artist, but aren't aware of him as an activist. Audiences who see "Call Mr. Robeson" come away inspired by his story, Aluko says. "I hope — and actually know — that it gives inspiration to people to continue to contribute in whatever way they can to the betterment of society, and that it educates them about modern history and the parallels and similarities between earlier times and now," Aluko says. "I hope that with that knowledge people are better equipped to work toward social justice in America and internationally." Staff reporter Vickie Aldous can be reached at 541-776-4486 or [email protected] . Follow her at www.twitter.com/VickieAldous . By Vickie Aldous for the Tidings Follow @@VickieAldous DailyTidings.com By Vickie Aldous for the Tidings Follow @@VickieAldous Posted Sep. 3, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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