Alamo Community Colleges News & Events

CONTACT: Nina McGrath
Director of the Academy of Fine Arts / Community Liaison
531-4704 (ph)
nmcgrath@mail.accd.edu

St. Philip's College Proudly Presents a one-man show “PAUL ROBESON”

St. Philip's College is proud to present a one-man show “PAUL ROBESON”, featuring Vincent Contrell in the lead role. If you have to ask, “Who was Paul Robeson and why is this production important to Black History Month?” read on.

Robeson was one of the most prominent Americans of the twentieth century. He was born in Princeton, the son of a runaway slave. Robeson’s father attended the Historically Black Lincoln University and became a Presbyterian minister. Robeson earned a full academic scholarship to Rutgers University. He was the sole African American student, who earned the respect of his fellow students through his academic achievements and athletic prowess. He graduated at the top of his class as valedictorian, having been named one of the greatest college football players of all time - a two-time “All American” in 1917 and 1918. Upon graduation, he entered Columbia Law School in 1920 matriculating in 1922. At that time, he was the only student of color at Columbia Law.

What followed was a diverse and successful career as a stage and film actor and concert singer — considered along with the Fisk Jubilee Singers, as one of the finest interpreters of Negro Spirituals. He was a humanitarian and scholar, who mastered and spoke more than eleven languages. He was also a figure of political controversy in the 1940’s; he was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee and was asked to defend himself against accusations of being a communist. His passport was withdrawn from 1950 to 1958; this limitation on his freedom to travel rendered him unable to make a living.

However, through his perseverance and a lengthy battle, his passport was restored. He resumed his career but fell ill in Russia in 1959. He was in out of hospitals until going into seclusion and retirement in the 60’s. He died in Philadelphia in 1976. If we are to remember Paul Robeson for anything, it should be for the courage and the dignity with which he struggled for his own personal voice and for the rights of all people – a true Renaissance man.

WHO: St. Philip's College Department of Fine Arts BLACK HISTORY MONTH special presentation

WHAT: “PAUL ROBESON” a one-man show featuring Vincent Contrell, with Ms. Joy Hague, pianist.

Directed by Frank Latson – Artistic Director San Pedro Playhouse

WHEN: Friday: February 15th, 2008 — 8:00pm Curtain

Saturday: February 16th, 2008 — 8:00pm Curtain

Sunday: February 17th, 2008 — 2:30pm Matinee Curtain

WHERE: St. Philip’s College Main Campus — Watson Fine Arts Center Theatre

COST: $5.00 to all students, employees of ACC, Seniors, SATCO, Military. General Admission $10.00. SPECIAL GROUP RATES AVAILABLE

High School Students FREE with reservation