When Paul Robeson -- the great and famous actor, singer and civil rights activist -- gets progressively too radical and outspoken for the establishment's liking, he is branded a traitor to his country, harassed, and denied opportunities to perform or travel. Just as physical, emotional and mental stress threaten to push him over the fine line between genius and madness, he is summoned to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee, to give the most difficult and important performance of his career. The play features some of his famous songs and speeches, and highlights how his radical activism caused him to be disowned and disremembered, even by the leaders and descendants of the civil rights movements.