The MTA 10th grade made their way to the Harvey Theater at Brooklyn Academy of Music to see “The Tallest Tree in the Forest,” a one-man show performed by Daniel Beaty. The subject of the performance was 20th Century African-American activist Paul Robeson.
Robeson was a star player on Rutgers’ football team, a popular campus jock and an excellent student who graduated as valedictorian of his class and obtained a scholarship to Columbia Law School. As an African-American, he faced significant barriers in 1930’s America but he persevered, and eventually switched careers completely. His wife Essie encouraged him to follow his true passion – singing.
The actor Daniel Beaty does an astounding job portraying over 40 voices of men, women, and children, and singing the inspirational songs of Paul Robeson himself. The opening song, “Ol’ Man River” is perhaps Robeson’s most profound ballad. Robeson, eventually famous and acclaimed, made his way through the Soviet Union and pre-war Nazi Gemany and was appalled by what he saw. He ultimately faced his greatest challenge in the United States at the hands of anti-communist inquiry.
The tenth graders were deeply struck by Beaty’s soulful and intrepid performance. As one student put it, “that was just incredible.” It was a vivid account of truth and tragedy.
By Jack Alkhabaz
