Acclaimed Actor Marvin Jefferson to Perform at the Madison Public Library

On Oct. 26 at 2 p.m., actor and college theatre instructor Marvin Jefferson will bring the story of Paul Robeson to life through first-person historical characterization, followed by a Q&A session in character at the Madison Public Library.

Paul Robeson, son of a former slave, was one of the most well-known African-Americans of the 20th century. He was a renaissance man: a social activist, singer, scholar, actor, All-American athlete at Rutgers, intellectual, lawyer, linguist, humanist and advocate for international peace. Paul Robeson’s voice is forever connected with his signature song, Ol’ Man River, from the film classic, Showboat.

Marvin Jefferson brings a powerful stage presence and in-depth scholarship to his portrayal of Paul Robeson. He has been building a national reputation for his portrayal of Paul Robeson for nearly two decades, and also offers chautauqua performances of Martin Luther King, Jr. and York, Clark’s slave who participated in the Lewis & Clark expedition. Jefferson’s recent appearances include performances at both the Nevada and Ohio Chautauqua festivals.

The event is free and open to the public. No reservations required. This program is funded by the Horizon Speakers Bureau of the NJ Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Additional funding for this event was provided by The Friends of the Library. For more information on this event, contact the library at 973-377-0722.