Press Releases
Call Miss Robeson!
Date:
2010-07-21Susan Robeson, the granddaughter of one of the first American civil rights activists, Paul Robeson, will be visiting Big Pit this Saturday (24 July) to talk about her grandfather’s relationship with Wales and introduce a special screening of the film ‘The Proud Valley’, set in a Welsh mining community.
The day’s activities will include workshops for young people during the morning and a public introduction and screening of the film ‘The Proud Valley’ in the afternoon. Susan Robeson will be joined by Tayo Aluko, who will be performing his one-man show ‘Call Mr Robeson!’ in Blaenafon in October.
Young people aged 9 and upwards are invited to come along and create a comic book story about the life of Paul Robeson, facilitated by his granddaughter. All stories created during this international project will be come part of the online gallery at www.comicbookproject.org. To book a place call (01495) 790311.
Peter Walker, Keeper & Mine Manager, Big Pit said: “Robeson’s affinity with the Welsh miners started in the 1920s when he met a group of Welsh miners in London who had taken part in a hunger march, he saw immediately the similarities between these men’s struggle and the inequity of the class struggle in America. He also performed at a benefit in Caernarfon for the families of the victims of the Gresford Colliery disaster in 1934.
“We are pleased to bring together Susan Robeson and Tayo Aluko for this special event. Tayo has toured with his award-winning show across the UK and the USA, and leads the way in educating a new generation to the struggle of Robeson.”
The event, which is part of a three-week visit being made by Miss Robeson to Wales, is hosted by the Paul Robeson Trust Wales and funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. Tayo Aluko will be bringing his one-man show to the Blaenafon Workmen’s Hall on Saturday 23 October. Tickets cost £10 and can be obtained from the World Heritage Visitor Centre by calling 01495 742333.