FOLLOWING PAUL ROBESON’S FOOTSTEPS

Shire Hall, Dorchester

A STORY of discovery and dedication was told by Nigerian actor Tayo Aluko as he gave the background and a preview of his play with music, Call Mr Robeson which is being performed in Dorset this week.

Trained as an architect but always a keen amateur singer and performer, Tayo was living and working in Liverpool in 1995 when he was invited to sing at a charity function. A woman in the audience later approached him and said his voice reminded her of Paul Robeson, a man he had barely heard of and of whom he certainly knew nothing.

But that meeting changed his life as research by Tayo on the American singer and film star revealed the depth and influence that Paul Robeson had on raising the flag against racial injustice and inequality which was then deemed to be both controversial and even illegal.

As a result of his discovery, the Nigerian finally abandoned his career as an architect and Tayo now tours the world as an award winning actor with his play which highlights the life and work of Paul Robeson in his role as a passionate political activist who spoke out for peace and harmony among nations.

Tayo’s appearance at the Shire Hall coincides with an interactive exhibition in the building from June 4 until the end of August that is entitled Journey to Justice and which tells some of the stories of ordinary people worldwide who have spoken out for civil rights and social justice.

MARION COX