Call Mr. Robeson and Just An Ordinary Lawyer are two one-man plays written by Tayo Aluko, both of which were performed by him at Theatro Technis six years apart. Both got 4-star reviews from the Guardian as a result of the runs. The theatre celebrates its 60th anniversary in early May, and the kick-off event is a double-bill of these two plays on May Day. The date is appropriate, being International Workers Day, and both plays are unashamedly political.
Call Mr. Robeson is a rollercoaster journey through African-American actor and singer Paul Robesons remarkable life, highlighting his pioneering and heroic political activism. It features Ol Man River and other famous songs, much fiery oratory, and a defiant testimony to the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Just An Ordinary Lawyer tells the story of Nigerian Tunji Sowande. He is Britains first Black judge, a fine singer and keen cricket lover. Finding himself stranded in the Heart of Empire, he muses on Black liberation struggles worldwide insisting he is no political aficionado, but content to contribute through his music and songs.
Call Mr. Robeson has been performed all over the UK, in Nigeria, Jamaica, the USA, as far north as the Arctic Circle in Canada's North West Territories, and down to Australia and New Zealand.
Just An Ordinary Lawyer premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2016 and received its international debut in Canada in February.
Both plays are performed to live piano accompaniment.
