A DIVERSE PROGRAMME OF LIVELY DISCUSSION AND DYNAMIC PERFOMRANCES COMPERED BY PETE KALU (DIRECTOR. COMMONWORD).
7.30-8.15 - PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION FROM DR. ALAN RICE AND ZEINAB MOHAMMED
Dr. Alan Rice, National Teaching Fellow at University of Central Lancashire and leading expert on African American Studies presents ‘Historical Contexts and Legacies of Paul Robeson’s Transatlantic Journeys’.
Zeinab Mohammed, RAPAR matron and founder presents ‘Assessing Progression: Paul Robeson’s Ideologies and Human Rights Today’.
8.15-8.50 - FOOD AND DRINK
Fill up with a fabulous free dinner prepared by RAPAR’s Persian Society.
8.50-9.10 - PERFORMANCE POETRY FROM ‘YOUNG IDENTITY’ AND ‘SMALL ROCKS’
Enjoy the vibrant verse of ‘Young Identity’: the best of Manchester’s emerging performance poets and readings from ‘Small Rocks’, a book of short stories written by asylum seekers and refugees published by Commonword Press in partnership with RAPAR.
9.10-9.40 - AWARD-WINNING DRAMA FROM TAYO ALUKO
‘Never less than utterly believable ... stirring and moving’ The Scotsman.
Tayo Aluko performs extracts from ‘Call Mr Robeson’: A dramatic journey through Paul Robeson’s life interspersed with renditions of his powerful songs.
10-10.40 - MUSIC FROM BEATING WING ORCHESTRA
‘Joyful music made with love and excitement – a real Mali-Manchester soul stew **** ’ M.E.N
The amazing and unique Beating Wing Orchestra raise the roof for the evening’s finale. Musically and culturally diverse members of Greater Manchester’s refugee communities deliver remarkably energetic and eclectic soundscapes bound to get your feet moving- Believe the hype!
Also, browse our stalls, enter the raffle, and enjoy a drink at the bar. ALL PROCEEDS TO RAPAR.
Many thanks to Rob Shetterly who kindly donated the Robeson artwork: www.americanswhotellthetruth.org, and the International Anthony Burgess Foundation who donated use of their venue. Thanks also to everyone who is contributing their time and talent to make this a truly memorable event and to ensure refugees and asylum seekers continue to receive the support they need to shape their own lives and futures.
Programme subject to change.