PAUL ROBESON STAGE PLAY CONTROVERSY {CARL STOKES} {CLIPS} (TV)
Summary
These news clips feature host Carl Stokes, the former mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, and America's first black mayor, following the controversy surrounding the biographical one-man stage play from 1978, "Paul Robeson," starring James Earl Jones. In the first clip, Stokes describes the "Statement of Conscience" printed in Variety magazine by the "ad-hoc committee" opposing the play, which states that it is a "pernicious perversion" of the famous singer and activist's life. Stokes, who knew Robeson, explains that Robeson was held in particular esteem by the black community for his many academic and professional achievements, including graduating from Columbia Law School in 1922. He was branded a "pinko" and blacklisted for his political comments, including his assertion that black soldiers should not fight against the Soviet Union. In a clip, Robeson stands by his statements and expresses a desire for "peace and friendship" with the U.S.S.R. Robeson died in 1976, and the one-man show about his life premiered on January 13, 1978. Fifty-six well-known black individuals signed a letter opposing the show, including Robeson's son Paul Jr., though Stokes points out that most of the signatories had not seen the show and that some names were added without permission.
In the next clip, playwright Phillip Hayes Dean comments on the controversy and questions the protesters' sincerity. Robeson Jr. states that the play depicts a "character" version of his father, not the real person, and significantly tones down his "powerful radicalism." Dean counters that the would-be censorship of the show is a form of "black McCarthyism," arguing that the signatories are out of touch with the true identity of the black community, citing their fame and wealth. Jones agrees, stating that he resents the negative "watchdog" reactions to his work; Robeson Jr. admits that no play could accurately depict his father. Stokes praises the play, stating that it captures Robeson's harsh treatment by the American government and reduction to a "non-person" because of his anti-fascist statements, pointing out that the play attempts to "highlight" his strengths rather than capture every aspect of his personality.
In the next clip, scenes are shown of the play, in which Jones, as Robeson, argues passionately with an off-stage member of the House Un-American Activities Committee. Outside, Stokes interviews a number of theatergoers, all of whom praise the play's content, stating that it shows Robeson as a "real human being" and commenting on the "very ironic" attempt to shut down a play about a person who was so harshly censored for his beliefs. Stokes explains that despite the positive comments, the play is set to shut down at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater on February 26, 1978. He highlights several other black-themed productions that have recently been denounced by black activists, including the musical "Ipi Tombi" and the television miniseries "King," which was criticized for its portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. -- despite receiving approval from King Sr. and Coretta Scott King. Stokes condemns this "genocidal censoring," pointing out that the detractors have offered no positive alternatives to these depictions of blacks.
Next, Stokes explains that Jones gave an impassioned ten-minute speech at the conclusion of the final performance, declaring that he wishes to "disturb" the audience with the play's frank content, rather than simply amuse them. Backstage, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier praise the show, declaring that it does not "tarnish" Robeson's memory.
Next, Stokes explains that the play has since been revived, largely thanks to the efforts of producer Joe Papp, and will resume performances on March 3, 1978, at the Booth Theater, alongside the also-controversial play "for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf." Papp and "colored girls" writer Ntozake Shange discuss the importance of the plays.
Finally, Reverend Ruben L. Speaks issues a statement about his opposition to the play, stating that the content does not capture Robeson's "greatness" nor his true personality, and arguing that he and other protesters have the right to peacefully oppose the work. He argues that Robeson did not "forsake" his church, nor did the church forsake him, as the play suggests. The asset cuts off abruptly, as Robeson biographer Lloyd L. Brown addresses his concerns.
Details
- NETWORK: WNBC
- DATE: August 30, 1978
- RUNNING TIME: 0:31:36
- COLOR/B&W: Color and B&W
- CATALOG ID: B:10660
- GENRE: News
- SUBJECT HEADING: News; Theater; African-American Collection - News/Talk
- SERIES RUN: N/A
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Carl Stokes … Host, Reporter
- Paul Robeson Jr. … Interviewee
- Phillip Hayes Dean … Interviewee
- James Earl Jones … Interviewee
- Harry Belafonte … Interviewee
- Sidney Poitier … Interviewee
- Lloyd Brown … Interviewee
- Ruben L. Speaks … Interviewee
- Paul Robeson
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Martin Luther King, Sr.
- Coretta Scott King
- Joe Papp
- Ntozake Shange