Roben P.
Woodson was a true Urban Networker. Slightly build, thin mustache, old sports
jacket and tie, damper yet disheveled, Roben roamed the streets of Philadelphia like Picasso painted pictures.
He created bonds and connected people wherever he traveled. Like Cain from the Kung Fu show, he
lived off the land utilizing his talents to survive while quietly impacting people wherever he went.
Roben was an thespian, photographer and writer. His dry wit and naughty chuckle
would sometimes make you feel Roben knew the inside joke on all of us. If you knew Roben, you knew that
he knew just about everybody. Sometimes I run into him at 15th and Market by the Clothespin.
He always had some exciting news or resources to share. He was filled with endless encouragement.
I would stop intending to chat for a minute and before I knew it an hour would past. In the meantime,
Roben would have introduced me to at least 20 different people.
I met Roben over twenty years ago when he auditioned for a part in a Showcase I was producing.
Roben would become a loyal member of Klub Savoir-Faire for over 15 years. He performed in productions
throughout Philly chitin circuit up and down Broad Street. Even after we disbanded, Roben would keep me
up date with the latest film and production information.
Roben had performed for Freedom Theater, the Wilma Theater and other productions. He was always
getting roles in film productions with a bit part or walk on. He also was heavily involved in television
production as a camera man. In addition, Roben was very active with the Philadelphia
Film Festival.
Some of the hightlights of Roben's
career was roles in "Clean and Sober" and "Hairspray".
He will be fondly remembered for his spoken word/acting performance
at Club Impulse in the Klub Savoir-Faire Showcase production of "Better in the Spring" depicting a down and
out individual rejecting his present situtation and projecting his comback.
