In this virtual multimedia and interactive performance program, Russell presents a unique engagement with Paul Robeson—and the texts he performed and produced as an internationally renowned vocalist and humanitarian—bringing this exploration directly to the audience through personal testimony, musical performance, and informal interaction with performance participants and the audience.
Through this piece, Russell explores the permeable borders between the performer and performance, the artistic and political, the eminent and imminent, using film, personal testimony, and live performance as a way to explore what the words Robeson spoke and performed mean—or could mean—for the 21st century.
Watch MY OWN PERSONAL ROBESON | A short video introduction to the performance
Anthony Russell is a vocalist, composer and arranger specializing in music in the Yiddish language. His work in traditional Ashkenazi Jewish musical forms led to a musical exploration of his own ethnic roots through the research, arrangement and performance of a hundred years of African American roots music, resulting in the EP Convergence (2018), a collaboration with klezmer consort Veretski Pass exploring the sounds and themes of one hundred years of African American and Ashkenazi Jewish music. Inspired by Yiddishkayt's ethnographic trip to Belarus and Poland as a Wallis Annenberg Helix Fellow, Anthony formed a duo, Tsvey Brider (“Two Brothers”), with accordionist and pianist Dmitri Gaskin for the composition and performance of original music set to modernist Yiddish poetry of the 20th century.
My Own Personal Robeson/The House We Live In reflects Yiddishkayt’s ongoing commitment to presenting and producing cultural works that delve into themes of anti-racism and anti-fascism, by inviting audiences to think beyond their own imaginary or self-imposed borders. Join us.
Please note: This broadcast is similar to a live theatrical event with a limited capacity of 150 registered devices. These performances will not be recorded for future viewing. One unique registration per devices is required.
Click on the below links to register by performance date:
Thursday, February 3, 2022
SOLD OUT
Sunday, February 6, 2022
SOLD OUT
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Sunday, February 13, 2022
SOLD OUT
Thursday, February 17, 2022
ONLY 3 TICKETS LEFT!
Sunday, February 20, 2022
SOLD OUT
These programs are offered to the public free-of-charge. To support our ongoing innovative cultural programming, we invite you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to Yiddishkayt. Any amount is appreciated!
Co-sponsors of MY OWN PERSONAL ROBESON include
