A multimedia performance chronicling the life + legacy of Mr. Paul Robeson that features a dynamic fusion of jazz & classical music, spoken word poetry, vocalese, and live visual artmaking.
Paul Robeson: Man of the People is a new creative production that chronicles the life and legacy of the most important and iconic figure of the twentieth century. The production features an ensemble cast of jazz & classical musicians, vocalists, spoken word artists, visual artists, stage actors, and narrators. The production serves as a window and mirror to introduce contemporary audiences to the art, activism, and uncompromising truthspeak of Mr. Robeson via creative interrogation and ... view more »
ADMISSION INFO
This event will be both in-person and available via livestream. The livestream link and logon details will be forthcoming via Eventbrite for those who register.
Email: voodoopoetryblues@gmail.com
INDIVIDUAL DATES & TIMES*
- May 31, 2024 at 06:00 pm - 09:00 pm (Fri)
Additional time info:
Paul Leroy Robeson [April 9, 1898 – January 23, 1976] was an internationally renowned bass-baritone concert artist, professional athlete, stage & screen actor, and civil & human rights activist. Mr. Robeson was exceptionally regarded for his tireless advocacy and critical stance against racism, Jim Crow, capitalism, and exploitation. Mr. Robeson was a respected leader and critical voice for the civil and human rights of people around the world. A consummate artist-activist, Mr. Robeson rose to worldwide prominence during the time of legal segregation in the United States, wholesale lynching of Black Americans, and the formation of protracted global struggles against imperialism
Educator and civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune referred to Mr. Robeson as “the tallest tree in our forest.” This new and original production offers a creative, nuanced, and dynamic portrait of the life and times of this fearless, unwavering defender of humanity, justice, freedom, and the arts.
This extended original work is made possible through the IU Presidential Arts & Humanities Fellowship program.
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ABOUT LASANA D. KAZEMBE
Lasana D. Kazembe is an award-winning poet, educator, and critical Black scholar whose creative works examines the ‘lost-found’ sacred epistemologies of Africana peoples and situates them as sites of memory. Dr. Kazembe’s recent creative projects include The Voodoo of Hell’s Half-Acre: The Travelin’ Genius of Richard Wright: A Blues Poetry Opera and Firedance: Body, Word + Sound as Prism. Dr. Kazembe is a professor of Education and Africana Studies at IUI and recently completed a two-year stint as the Inaugural Artist-in-Residence at The Cabaret.
Links:
• “The Voodoo of Hell’s Half-Acre” on PBS
• Firedance: Body, Word & Sound as Prism
• A Look Back at Indy Jazz Guitarist Wes Montgomery – IBJ interview feat. Lasana D. Kazembe & Rob Dixon, Indianapolis Business Journal Podcast
• Words and Music interview feat. Lasana D. Kazembe & Rob Dixon, Big Car Collaborative
ABOUT ERNEST DAWKINS
Ernest Dawkins is a world-renown saxophonist, composer, and music educator who regularly performs in Africa, Asia, and throughout Europe. He is an entrepreneur with years of experience working with new media technologies to produce and promote his work and that of the jazz community online and in digital venues. Mr. Dawkins is leader of several ensembles (New Horizons Ensemble, Aesop Quartet, Chicago Trio, Live the Spirit Big Band, and Chicago 12) and is the founder and director of Chicago’s Englewood Jazz Festival (now in its 24th year).
Links:
• Redefining Frederick Douglass
• Soweto
• Englewood Jazz Festival
• Ernest Dawkins Website
LOCATION
924 N Pennsylvania St, Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46204
