Site Platform - Sonya Dyer
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Paul Robeson Research Station
2-19 February
Paul Robeson Research Station
presents a series of screenings, discussions and live mapping, culminating in a choral performance. Paul Robeson (1898 – 1976) was an American actor, singer, scholar, athlete, writer, lawyer, trade unionist and social justice advocate. The son of an escaped slave, he was at the forefront of the civil rights movement. Despite being a beloved international figure during his lifetime, he was persecuted and virtually erased from ‘mainstream’ US culture. Through discursive platforms, tomato growing and using the idea of the ‘anthem’ as a transnational symbol, the project aims to explore the legacy of Robeson as a symbol of workers solidarity, social justice and internationalism.
Sonya Dyer’s work uses a variety of means and contexts to investigate artists and political agency, rethinking historical and contemporary ideas of Europe and European culture.
Linked Events:
Film screenings
Two films starring Paul Robeson, each followed by a discussion with an invited speaker.
The Proud Valley (1940) - Wednesday 2 February, 6pm, With speaker Professor Lynda Morris
Song of Freedom (1936) - Wednesday 9 February, 6pm, With speaker Beverley Humphries (Paul Robeson Wales Trust)
Artist’s talk & discussion - Friday 18 February, 5pm - Chaired by Becky Shaw.
Followed by choral event featuring the Sheffield Socialist Choir and refreshments.
Places to all events are free but space is limited so please book your place in advance by contacting events@sitegallery.org or reception on 0114 281 2077.
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