Paul Robeson is the topic for an Art House discussion program next week
Dr. Shana L. Redmond’s book, “Everything Man,” announces “antiphonal life” as a uniquely conceived strategy by Paul Robeson. In a discussion hosted by Art House Productions, Redmond will talk about her latest work during a virtual lecture on Thursday, March 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. on Zoom.
Paul Leroy Robeson was an American singer/actor best known for his bass baritone voice and his stronmg stage presence. He was best know for his performances as on stage works such as Shakespeare’s “Othello,” and films such as “Sanders of the River” (1935), “Show Boat” (1936), and “The Proud Valley” (1940).
During the late 1930s, Robeson advocated for the Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War and became active in the Council on African Affairs (CAA), supporting their efforts to gain colonized African countries independence from European colonial rule. He was also known for supporting civil rights causes and pro-Soviet policies, which put him in the sights of the FBI.After WWII, the Council of African Affairs was placed on the Attorney General’s List of Subversive Organizations and Robeson was investigated during the age of McCarthyism. Not willing to recant his public advocacy, he was denied a passport by the U.S. State Department, causing his income to plummet. He moved to Harlem and published a periodical called Freedom in the 1950s, which was critical of United States policies. His right to travel was eventually restored as a result of a 1958 U.S. Supreme Court decision.
Redmond is the author of “Anthem: Social Movements and the Sound of Solidarity in the African Diaspora” and “Everything Man: The Form and Function of Paul Robeson,” which was named one of NPR’s Best Books of 2020.
In 2019 she contributed the critical liner essay for the vinyl soundtrack release of Jordan Peele’s film “Us” (Waxwork Records). She is professor of Musicology and African American Studies at UCLA.
Advanced registration required to receive the zoom link. A $5 donation is suggested. You can register at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35606/production/1040010.