Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1954-07-17
Paul Robson.
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J OOu NVOVOVu SO
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under the sponsorship of the Work
ers Music Association, with sup
porting personal invitations from
distinguished group of British
musicians and composers, includ-
ing Vaughn Williams and Benja-
min Britten.
Also listed was an invitation for
a concert tour of Israel sent to the
singer by Adam Holender, leading
Tel Aviv impressario.
In his letter, Robson pointed to
the fact that in the U. S. his op-
portunities for performing in
opera, drama, motion pictures, con
cert halls, radio and TV are severe
+ ly limited. 81 am one of the many
American artists" he declared,
'who have been thus blacklisted for
political non-conformity"
consequently" he wrote, "the
invitation to sing and act abroad is
welcomed by me with heightened
enthusiasm in that it affords me
the only opportunity to practice
my profession in conventional en-
tertainment media before large au-
diences. @.
''The value of this opportunity
lies in the fulfillment of my artis-'
tic efforts and in permitting me to
earn livelihood in my PROFESSIONS
The complete text of Robeson's
letter follows:
July 2, 1854
Department of State
Passport Division
Washington, D. c.
Gentlemen: To-
This letter is intended to accom-
pany my application for passport.
1t is submitted in compliance with
Item No. 3 of printed instructions
issued by you and entitled Essen
tial Requirements to Obtain a Pass
port. That item calls for letter
Stating where, when, why and
length of stay abroad. | hereby
furnish the information requested:
l. | intend to visit the British
Isles and Israel. may also visit
such areas of continental Europe,
particularly France and the Scandi-
navian countries, as may invite me
to sing or perfor during my stay
abroad
2. l propose to leave on or about
September, 1854.
3. My purpose in travelling is to
practice my profession as a singer
and actor. More particularly:
(a) l have been invited by Leslie
Under Productions to play the
title role in a production of
Othello. British Actors Equity AS
ISOLATION has unanimously approx
ed my appearance and performance
in England. Annexed hereto is
photostatic copy of the offer of
Leslie Under Productions. Also
annexed hereto is a phototstatic
copy of the approval of British
Actors Equity Association. l call
specific attention to the following
language of the letter of the Brit
ish Actors Equity Association.
ut was the unanimous opinion of
the Council that Mr.. Robeson's
status is such that we cannot raise
any objection to his appearing in
this country. Indeed the Council
expressed it's satisfaction at the
prospect of seeing Mr.. Robson
play this part, in which he has
made SO striking an appearance.
We would welcome his presence in
this country"
(b) have been invited by Work
ers' Music Association Ltd. to make
concert tour of England under
it's auspices. Annexed hereto is
a photostatic copy of the offer,
supported by personal invitation
from the Vlce-preSldentS and an
other from R. Vaughn Williams,
the renowned dean of contempor-
airy British music. The vice-presi-
dents who signed the invitations
are:
Godfrey, Corbett, Bernard Stew
ems, Benjamin Britten, Phil Car
dew, Rutland Boughton, Joseph
Lewis, Lnglis Gundry, Edward ].
Dent, Alan Rawsthorne, Arnold
Goldsbrough, Elizabeth Maconchy.
Arthur Benjamin.
call your specific attention to
the following language of the vice
presidents invitation:
1--WE cordially support this inyi-
tation and, as representative Brit
ish professional musicians, assure