By Morgan Rawlings, Staff Writer
The audience walks into Reynolds Auditorium and the lights dim as people begin to take a seat on the tan, cushioned chairs. The excited chatter of the crowd dies down as the lights on the stage begin to illuminate the auditorium. The spotlights shine brightly down onto center stage as a figure emerges from the wings. “The Life and Times of Paul Robeson” is about to begin.
However, to actor Chris Bagley, who plays Robeson’s accompanist, this production is more than a play: It’s a chance to remember and celebrate Paul Robeson’s legacy.
“This was a man who played four sports in college and was the second black All-American football player. When there were only two black students who attended Rutgers University, he was the valedictorian of the university when he graduated. Paul went on to Columbia Law School and got his law degree during a time when he couldn’t even practice law,” Bagley said. “He then became the most recognized performer on stage, and as an actor, in the entire world. After that, he went on to play a primary role in the Civil Rights movement, which led to his banishment. His passport was taken for eight years.”
Starring Jason McKinney as Paul Robeson, this unique play brings his experiences to life, from his strengths in academics and athletics to the arts. He excelled in all areas, which led him to join the fight toward equal rights during a life that spanned from 1898 to 1976.
“Paul used his notoriety to talk to the masses, all over the world: not just in America, not just black people, not just for civil rights, but for human rights, worker’s rights, people in general,” Bagley said.
For one night only, people can experience Robeson’s larger-than-life legacy and learn about one of the nation’s first Freedom Fighters. Kick off the celebration of Black History Month at Reynolds Auditorium on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 at the door for adults and $5 for students (from any school, not just RJR). However, anyone who makes a donation of $20 by Monday night via Power2Give will have a ticket waiting for them at will call. To reserve your ticket and/or make a donation to help fund this arts experience, CLICK HERE.
One-hour versions of the play will take place for RJR students Monday and Tuesday morning, with Brunson Elementary students coming to watch “The Life and Times” on Tuesday morning. A news crew from WXII Channel 12 is expected to be at Monday morning’s performance.
“Learning about real people during any time period brings history to life, and the arts can do that,” Arts Magnet Coordinator Karen Morris said. “It’s an important part of our history; the need for civil rights has not gone away.”
While Reynolds students said remembering the struggle for equal rights should be all year round, Black History Month does allow people to dig deeper into this time period and celebrate diversity.
“The celebration of Black History Month is important mainly because it is a time to acknowledge and glorify the African-American’s overcoming of white oppression. It’s a time to show that we as people have come from slaves to sitting in the White House,” junior Aaron Cooper said. “This year’s celebration will be significantly more important than in recent years due to the events that occurred involving black people and the police. There is no better way to lift the spirits of protestors and the afflicted by reminding them how far we have come.”
Whether or not people celebrate Black History Month by remembering famous Freedom Fighters in a class, watching historical movies like the newly released “Selma,” or even better – seeing “The Life and Times of Paul Robeson” right here in the community – it’s important to look back.
“February is a time for everyone to remember and celebrate a time where people stepped up to adversity,” freshman Elijah Kennedy said.
It might even be the perfect time to learn about civil rights activists people may not have heard of before. Like Paul Robeson.
“Paul was arguably the premiere Renaissance singer in the entire history of our country,” Bagley said. “MLK, George Washington Carver, Rosa Parks: We know those names, but we don’t know Paul Robeson. He’s not celebrated. Why have a Black History Month if we’re not celebrating the best?
“There is no arguing that all of the things Paul did, during the time he did it, are things that not just black people, but we all need to celebrate,” Bagley added. “He is someone that we can all look up to. His story is too powerful not to be told.”
