Towards the end of this excellent production we hear a recording of Paul Robeson addressing the 1957 South Wales Miners’ Eisteddfod from his home (or prison) in America. It makes for gripping listening as Robeson talks with miners’ leader Will Paynter. He sings to the miners and they sing to him.
Robeson’s passport had been withdrawn by the US government so he was unable to attend the festival. The respect the people of South Wales had for this man is made clear in this poignant play by Greg Cullen., performed by Hijinx Theatre. It centres on young Robeson fan Gethyn, played by Greg Llewellyn Arthur, who wrongly believes that a black man who arrives in his village is the singer.
What follows is a subtle examination of Robeson’s beliefs and influence and the relationship between Gethyn, his parents and George, the man he believes to be Robeson. The play will be at Soar Ffrwdamos Centre, Penygraig, on Friday. The tour ends at Wales Millennium Centre Studio on December 10 and 11 |