My Paul Robeson Art Is A Weapon Festival ended on October 26 with a sell-out performance of Call Mr. Robeson followed by a thoroughly scintillating presentation of Woody Guthrie: The Long Road to Peekskill. Participants and attendees at the festival have given me great feedback, and I've been offered support for the next one from one or two quarters. I hope that with more of the right kind of financial and other support, it can - and will - develop into an important, internationally recognised cultural event, so watch this space!
Recent performances of Call Mr. Robeson around the UK include the semi-official opening of a brand new theatre at Oxford Spires Academy, to a group of 12 - 16-year olds, the performance having been sponsored by the Oxfordshire branches of the NUT and UNISON trade unions. Some of the questions asked by the students were really amazing, showing that they enjoyed meeting Mr. Robeson, and being inspired by his story.
I have another connection with a brand new theatre, the Liverpool Everyman, which is close to completion following its demolition after Call Mr. Robeson "brought the house down" two years ago. After writing and performing a 15-minute musical Kwamina's Song for their EveryWord Festival last month, there is talk of me being taken up as a Writer on Attachment, with a view to developing a new full length play with them over the next year.
Yet another theatre at which I performed (and is very much still standing) is The Maltings in Berwick-upon-Tweed, who have asked me to develop a new piece incorporating the poetry of Langston Hughes, with a jazz band. This is to be performed in June 2014, and I'll keep you posted.
