The Town Hall Presents Oscar Micheaux's Body And Soul

The Town Hall has commissioned Grammy-winning songwriter rock legend Vernon Reid to compose an original score for this African American cinema classic. Oscar Micheaux was the first major Black American filmmaker, directing and producing forty-four films throughout his career. His works portrayed contemporary Black life and complex characters that countered negative on-screen portrayals of Blacks during that era. Body and Soul stars Paul Robeson in his film debut, offering a critical examination of how African American communities were exploited by corrupt religious figures while exploring broader themes including poverty, systemic racism, and the struggle for economic and social justice.