Theatre Presentation ~ 'Moments with Paul'
Wednesday August 28, 2024, 7:00pm - 8:30pm.
Held at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Ticket Required, not covered by a NAFOW day Pass:
Adult ~ $30 / Youth (18 and under or student ID) $10 


THE STORY: A powerful chronicle of the life of Paul Robeson, taking us from his childhood in New Jersey to his adult life as one of the most recognized figures in the world. An All-American athlete (15 varsity letters – football, basketball, track, baseball) and valedictorian at Rutgers and a lawyer (Columbia Law School), Robeson faces the racism prevalent during twentieth century. He strives to rise above circumstances, and it is his triumph in that struggle that turns Robeson into a then modern day hero.
Realizing the racist system would not allow him to practice as a lawyer, Robeson turns to singing; something he had learned well in the church choir as a youth. His singing leads to acting and his acting, with all the accolades due a master, leads him around the world. But every place he visits he sees the strains of racism in its many forms. The more he sees, the more he speaks out, using his influence and stature to enlighten those around him.
After some time in Europe, he returns to the United States to perform and speak out about the injustices in the country he loves. Confronting racism again, he sticks to his values, adhering to no party line, but is accused of being a Communist, an agitator and much more. He is blacklisted and his passport is revoked, but he goes on speaking and singing whenever and wherever he can. For eight years during the 1950’s he fights to regain his passport. The social climate begins to change, and Robeson's passport is finally reinstated along with some of the glory and respect he earned along the way.
We still have a far way to go, but Paul Robeson remains a beacon to those struggling to make this world a better place. This play is a powerful look at the many facets of Robeson the man, as well as Robeson the star and is a must-see for students and adults alike!
Featured Artists
Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Jason McKinney graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where he studied voice with soprano Marilyn Taylor and tenor Glenn Siebert and was the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards. McKinney has been featured with the North Carolina Symphony, the Winston Salem Symphony and has performed to critical acclaim in Europe, Mexico, the U.S. and Australia. When not on stage, he is Director of Music, cantorial soloist and composes liturgical music for Temple Emanuel in Winston Salem, NC, where he now resides.
Christopher Bagley is a native of Baltimore, MD who has been involved with music since age 5 when his father began teaching him to play piano. He has acted in, directed, musically directed or accompanied more than 50 theatrical productions throughout the U.S. He continues to be in demand across the country as a guest artist. In addition, he currently serves as Director of Music and organist at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Graham, NC and runs FundAbility, a company he founded which offers a range of fund and board development services to small nonprofits.