Stogie Kenyatta Performs His Acclaimed Broadway Style One-Man Show 'The World is My Home-The Life & Times of Paul Robeson'
Stogie Kenyatta brings a unique interpretation to the stage,where he majestically captures the essence of Paul Robeson. Portraying 10 characters he chronologically takes us thru the life of history's 1ST Black renaissance man & one of America's most complex, brilliant citizens.
(PRWEB) March 3, 2005 -- Magnificently performed without intermission, with props, several wardrobe changes & an inspiring finger-snapping Jazz, Bebop,Gospel,Big band soundtrack. The play opens as Robeson's father, a 15 year old runaway slave, rides the underground railroad to freedom. As laugh -out loud funny & entertaining as it is educational, Kenyatta ages from a 5 year old Paul, to the 70 yr old, world weary warrior that the blacklisted Robeson had become.
The show covers the Harlem Renaissance, with music from Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Johnny Hartman, Fats Waller, Cab Calloway & Robeson himself. As actor ages; he changes in front of the audience, from shirtless to full tuxedo. The wardrobe from slave outfits to Othello's royal robe was meticulously designed by Designer Tuesday Conner. Kenyatta uses his stand up comedy skills,laughter, satire, singing & brilliant storytelling to introduce us to the scholar, actor, singer, athlete, activist that was Robeson. Kenyatta's portrayal reveals the sense of humor, charm, wit, romantic passion, & human frailties of a life filled with triumphant achievement & the tragedy of hopes unfullfilled. In the final scene, Robeson's spine-tingling account of the horrors of captivity & the Middle-Passage; where sick women & children slaves were tossed into the sea, is so electrifyingly powerfull, it gives you goosebumps. It's the perfect ending to a riveting evening of theatre.
Paul Robeson's life exemplified all the qualities that our society holds dear & all the courage & compassion that make America great. This son of a preacherman's life, transcended race & nationality. His dream for a colorblind society,shaped his belief that, if we accept the fatherhood of God; we must accept the brotherhood of man. He spoke out against the Holocaust, visited the Warsaw ghettos in Poland & co-founded the OAU (org. for African Unity) with WEB Dubois. Blacklisted by the H.U.A.C. hearings, he recieved numerous awards & a mountain in Moscow was named in his honor.
This show serves as a classy, cultural artistic centerpiece & complements any social agenda. Our objective is that the show will inspire an appreciation for diversity with it's audience & guide them to a more nobel life. The show is currently touring colleges, churches, art festivals, & special corporate events.
Artist bio
Jamaican born & Brooklyn bred, Stogie Kenyatta shows his tremendous range in this tour de force performance. A classically trained character actor with leading man appeal; at 6'4" - 225lbs of athletic muscle, he bears a strong resemblance to Robeson. While his voice is no match for Robeson's bass baritone, it more than adequately serves the production. But it is Kenyatta's commanding stage presence, charisma & charm as he effortlessly transitions thru the ages & 10 characters. It becomes remarkably evident you are witnessing a gifted artist in his finest hour on stage.
The talented actor / comic / writer in addition to writing this show has written & optioned over 7 screenplays as well as amassing over 25 TV & Film credits from sit-coms, soap operas, to guest starring roles on the series JAG, ER and MADD TV, among others. He has performed in Europe, Tokyo, Japan & Okinawa. He was invited to perform the Paul Robeson show in West Africa. Stogie also tours as a Stand- Up Comic; however his one-man show on Paul Robeson is the work for which he is most proud & hopes it contributes to spreading his legacy.
U.S. Appearances:
National Civil Rights Museum - Memphis, Tenn.
Yale University - Black Solidarity Conference
The Museum of New York City
Eventide Arts Festival- Cape Cod
San Francisco State University
U.C.L.A.
Alabama A & M University
West L.A College
University of Southern Calif.
Florida Memorial College
University of Redlands
Loyola Marymount University
Cal State L.A.
Sacramento State University
Fresno State University
Cerritos College
Ball State Univ.
Florida A & M
N. Carolina Charlotte
California Baptist Univ
Cheyney Univ. of Penn.
Lincoln University
Univ. of Santa Cruz
University of New Mexico (TBD)
Nate Holden Performing Arts Center
Univ. of Maryland East. Shore
St. Marks ECW Fundraiser
Hampton University
Clark-Atlanta University
Georgia State University
Florida Memorial University
Lou Rawls Performing Arts Center
University of North Carolina
Santa Monica College
Morgan State University
Assoc. of Conscious Black Men
West Angeles Church
Ella Fitzgerald Perf. Arts Cntr.
Colgate University
Howard University
Delaware State Univ
University of San Francisco
Worldbeat Cultural Center
Washington State Univ.
Tennessee State Univ
Bethune Cookman College
For Woldwide Bookings Contact:
Nicholas Anderson, Esq.
Kingston Rose, Inc 310 967 5924
# # #
|
