New Bristol Stories

A singer, actor, movie star, lawyer, athlete and orator in many languages, Paul Robeson used his worldwide fame to campaign against fascism and to promote intercultural understanding. This work from Bristol Stories asks “What does Robeson mean to you?” creating nine personal reflections on the impact Robeson has had on a variety of people’s lives.

Produced by Anna Farthing of Harvest Heritage Arts and Media as part of the ‘Recalling Robeson in Bristol’ festival of events May to June 2009. Made with the support of Watershed, Pervasive Media Studio, Bristol Old Vic, Aim Higher, Paddy Uglow and numerous volunteers

bristolstories.org is a creative digital project that captures a ‘living history’ of the city, enabling people to tell their own stories.

Select a title below to view:

Those Were the Days
by Miriam Casal Madinabeita
The story of how US black singer, actor and campaigner Paul Robeson’s songs inspired the International Brigades who went to fight against General Franco’s fascist coup in Spain in the 1930s.

The Roles we Play
by Anna Farthing
Actress Pearl talks about how she is inspired by Paul Robeson, the first black man to perform the part of Shakespeare’s Othello.

Desert Island Disc
by Anna Farthing
Trade-unionist Paul Dunn explains why his favourite disc is of a black American called Paul Robeson.

Young Man / Ol’ Man
by Anna Farthing
20th century black actor, singer and campaigner Paul Robeson’s influence has touched many people and his music has been heard many places, including performances by a drunken Cornish teenager in the 1970s, singing out aross the Atlantic Ocean.

Paul Speaks My Language
by Sadie Smith
20th century actor, singer and campaigner Paul Robeson influenced people of many races and countries, as well as learning 20 different languages!

Inspiration
by Sadie Smith
How did a 20th century US actor and singer inspire a British teacher to learn Mandarin?!

Aim High
by Miriam Casal Madinabeita
A black actor, campaigner and singer from last century inspires young people to “Aim High” in Bristol.

To be Afrikan or Not To Be
by Anna Farthing
Actor, campaigner and singer Paul Robeson is still inspiring people, 40 years after his death.

My Name is Paul
by Anna Farthing
How did a British trade-unionist get named after a black actor from the USA?