Event
Piano Lesson by August Wilson
August Wilson's greatest legacy comes in the form of the cycle of plays, detailing the African-American experience of the 20th century. Called either the Pittsburgh Cycle or the Century Cycle, it includes 10 plays, 9 of which are set in his origin town of Pittsburgh and the other in Chicago. He is the recipient of a number of literary awards including two Pulitzers, several New York Critics Circle Awards, many Tony nominations and several Drama Desk awards. He died of liver cancer on October 2, 2005 in Seattle. He was buried in Greenburg Cemetery on October 8, 2005 and is survived by his wife, Constanza Romero and two daughters. Fourteen days after his death, the Virginia Theatre on Broadway in New York City was renamed the August Wilson Theatre. It was the first theatre to be named after an African-American.
August Wilson is said to have gained much of his inspiration for his work from many artistic sources such as art and music. Romare Bearden in particular greatly influenced his work with his own collages painting the African-American life. In 1977, a friend introduced Wilson to BeardenÂÂs book The Prevalence of Ritual. A year later, Wilson saw a photograph of Beardens Mill Hands Lunch Bucket and was struck to the very core. From thence forward, he continued to use Beardens vibrant but melancholy work as prompts for his plays, including Joe Turners Come and Gone, The Piano Lesson, and Fences among others. What I saw was black life, presented on its own terms, on a grand and epic scale, with all its richness and fullness, in a language that was vibrant and which, made attendant to everyday life, ennobled it, affirmed its value, and exalted its presence It defined not only the character of black American life, but also its conscience. August Wilson When I [August Wilson] saw his work, it was the first time that I had seen black life presented in all its richness, and I said, 'I want to do that -- I want my plays to be the equal of his canvases. August Wilson
The Pittsburgh Cycle
The Pittsburgh Cycle of Plays:
In 10 separate plays, each covering a different decade of the 20th century, August Wilson explored the lives, dreams, triumphs and tragedies of African-American history and culture. Often called the "Pittsburgh Cycle," all but one of the plays is set in the Hill District neighborhood of Pittsburgh where August Wilson grew up. August Wilson's cycle of plays, in order by the decade in which the play is set:
1900s - Gem of the Ocean (Premiered in NYC 2004) Aunt Esters house at 1839 Wylie Avenue is a sanctuary for veterans of the old underground railway and a command post for opposition to new forms of oppression.
1910s - Joe Turner's Come and Gone (Premiered in NYC 1988) Seth and Bertha Holly's boarding house is a haven for people on the move northward to find a new life or in search of family members lost under the oppression of sharecropping and chain gangs.
1920s - Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Premiered in NYC 1984) The only play set in
Chicago involves a white agent and studio boss waiting for blues star Ma Rainey to show up for her recording date. Meanwhile, the four black musicians in her band rehearse, bicker, tell stories and dream.
1930s - The Piano Lesson (Premiered in NYC 1990)
1940s - Seven Guitars (Premiered in NYC 1996) Floyd Barton is a natural musician who
dreams of the big time. But as the play begins, his wife and friends mourn his death. In the only play constructed in flashback, it takes us back to explore what happened.
1950s - Fences (Premiered in NYC 1987) Has been hailed as the most popular play of the cycle. It involves Troy Maxson, a Negro League baseball star who spent many years in jail. Hes now he's a trash collector fighting for blacks to be allowed to drive as well as haul.
1960s - Two Trains Running (Premiered in NYC 1992) In the aftermath of the riots
following the assassination of Martin Luther King, a boastful young man named Stirling arrives at Memphis' diner to learn his way around the Hill.
1970s - Jitney (Premiered in NYC 1982; Rewritten 2000) Out of a jitney station in the Hill, Becker and four other men hustle to make a living. In between calls, they gossip and bicker with each other.
1980s - King Hedley II (Premiered in NYC 2001) Hedley, who was named King by his father, the strange West Indian in "Seven Guitars," is a tragic figure of great stature. In Wilsons darkest cycle play, Hedley struggles to earn respect.
1990s - Radio Golf (Premiered in NYC 2005) It is WilsonÂÂs first play set among the black bourgeoisie. Harmond Wilks is running for mayor and planning a bold redevelopment deal for the Hill District. At particular issue is 1839 Wylie, the old house that was once Aunt Ester's.
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LocationTheater Project
45 West Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
United States
Categories
| Minimum Age: 9 |
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: No |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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