THE title of Tayo Aluko’s one-man show, Call Mr Robeson, comes from the phrase used to call the singer and activist in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities – the anti-Communist organisation acting on behalf of a US government that stripped him of his passport, ability to perform and reputation.

But it did not strip him of his dignity, as Aluko’s moving account of Paul Robeson’s life, dreams and despair tells in old-fashioned storytelling form.

In a single act of 85 minutes, he embodies the performer, calling forth memories of his father’s encouragement, rousing speeches and his many loves.

The narrative is punctuated by Robeson’s songs – Nobody Knows, Ballad for America and Old Man River among them – delivered in a voice that, while not as deep as Robeson’s, is still very pleasing.

While the play is a definite show of support for his Socialist beliefs, it does not over-simplify them, and includes a nod to the fact that Robeson sympathised with the Soviet Union, his head turned by a visit to a country where all races are considered equal.

Aluko portrays raw emotion as Robeson struggles to cope with persecution, attempting suicide that fortunately doesn’t succeed. A touch of humour between the more painful scenes lifts the piece.

Call Mr Robeson’s simplicity is its strength – its emotion stripped bare on a set made from a broken record and dotted with photographs and other paraphernalia from the singer’s life.

Laura Davis