August Wilson Plays: Masterpieces of African-American Theater

August Wilson’s cycle of ten plays, often referred to as the “Century Cycle,” is a monumental series that chronicles the African-American experience throughout the 20th century. With all but one play set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Wilson’s birthplace, these plays vividly portray the struggles, triumphs, and cultural richness of African-American life. Each play, brimming with powerful narratives and compelling characters, stands as a testament to Wilson’s mastery in capturing the essence of a century’s worth of history, heritage, and human experience.

Jitney (1979)

Synopsis

Set in an unofficial taxi station in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1977, “Jitney” delves into the lives of the drivers who navigate both the streets and their personal dilemmas. The play explores themes of generational conflict, legacy, and identity as the station faces the threat of demolition.

Premiere and Talent

• Premiere: 1982, Allegheny Repertory Theatre, Pittsburgh; 2000 Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theatre.
• Director: Marion McClinton.
• Notable Cast: Anthony Chisholm (Fielding), Paul Butler (Becker), Willis Burks (Shealy), Stephen McKinley Henderson (Turnbo).

Awards

• 2001 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play.
• 2002 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (1982)

Synopsis

Set in a Chicago recording studio in 1927, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” examines the racial tensions between black musicians and white producers. The play delves into themes of racism, art, and religion, showcasing the complex dynamics in the music industry.

Premiere and Talent

• Premiere: 1984, Yale Repertory Theatre; Broadway opening at Cort Theatre.
• Director: Lloyd Richards.
• Notable Cast: Charles S. Dutton (Levee), Theresa Merritt (Ma).

Awards

• New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best American Play.

Read a monologue from this play

Fences (1984)

Synopsis

In 1957, Troy Maxson, a former Negro Baseball League player turned garbage man, struggles with his unrealized dreams and the impact of his disappointments on his family. “Fences” addresses themes of personal failure, family dynamics, and racial discrimination.

Premiere and Talent

• Premiere: 1987, 46th Street Theatre, Broadway.
• Director: Lloyd Richards.
• Notable Cast: James Earl Jones (Troy), Mary Alice (Rose), Courtney B. Vance (Cory).

Awards

• Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
• Four Tony Awards, including Best Play and Best Actor (James Earl Jones).

Read a monologue from this play

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (1984)

Synopsis

Set in a Pittsburgh boardinghouse in 1911, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” features an ensemble cast of characters grappling with their pasts and seeking new futures. The play explores themes of racism, migration, and identity.

Premiere and Talent

• Premiere: 1986, Yale Repertory Theatre; 1988, Broadway at Ethel Barrymore Theater.
• Director: Lloyd Richards.
• Notable Cast: Delroy Lindo (Herald Loomis), Angela Bassett (Martha), L. Scott Caldwell (Bertha).

Awards

• Tony Award for Best Featured Actress (L. Scott Caldwell).

The Piano Lesson (1986)

Synopsis

The play follows the Charles family as they struggle over the fate of a family heirloom—a piano adorned with carvings depicting their ancestors. “The Piano Lesson” explores themes of heritage, family conflict, and the African-American experience post-slavery.

Premiere and Talent

• Premiere: 1987, Yale Repertory Theater; 1990, Broadway at Walter Kerr Theatre.
• Director: Lloyd Richards.
• Notable Cast: Charles S. Dutton (Boy Willie), S. Epatha Merkerson (Berniece).

Awards

• Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
• Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play.

Read a monologue from this play

Two Trains Running (1990)

Synopsis

Set in a rundown restaurant in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1969, “Two Trains Running” addresses themes of economic decline, community resilience, and social change. The characters grapple with the encroaching demolition of their neighborhood.

Premiere and Talent

• Premiere: 1990, Yale Repertory Theatre; 1992, Broadway at Walter Kerr Theatre.
• Director: Lloyd Richards.
• Notable Cast: Laurence Fishburne (Sterling), Roscoe Lee Browne (Holloway).

Awards

• Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Actor (Laurence Fishburne).

Seven Guitars (1995)

Synopsis

Set in 1948, “Seven Guitars” follows blues singer Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton who returns home after a stint in prison, eager to claim his newfound success. The play examines themes of redemption, ambition, and the African-American quest for identity.

Premiere and Talent

• Premiere: 1995, Goodman Theatre, Chicago; 1996, Broadway at Walter Kerr Theatre.
• Director: Lloyd Richards.
• Notable Cast: Keith David (Floyd), Viola Davis (Vera).

Awards

• Tony Award for Best Featured Actor (Ruben Santiago-Hudson).

King Hedley II (1991)

Synopsis

In 1985 Pittsburgh, “King Hedley II” follows an ex-convict striving to rebuild his life by opening a video store. The play revisits characters from “Seven Guitars” and explores themes of legacy, redemption, and economic struggle.

Premiere and Talent

• Premiere: 1999, Pittsburgh Public Theater; 2001, Broadway at Virginia Theatre.
• Director: Marion McClinton.
• Notable Cast: Brian Stokes Mitchell (King), Viola Davis (Tonya).

Awards

• Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Featured Actress (Viola Davis).

Gem of the Ocean (2003)

Synopsis

Set in 1904, “Gem of the Ocean” revolves around Aunt Ester, a spiritual healer who guides a troubled young man through his guilt and towards redemption. The play addresses themes of spirituality, history, and African-American identity.

Premiere and Talent

• Premiere: 2003, Goodman Theatre, Chicago; 2004, Broadway at Walter Kerr Theatre.
• Director: Marion McClinton (Goodman), Kenny Leon (Broadway).
• Notable Cast: Phylicia Rashad (Aunt Ester), Lisa Gay Hamilton (Black Mary).

Awards

• Tony Award nomination for Best Actress (Phylicia Rashad).

Radio Golf (2005)

Synopsis

Concluding the Century Cycle, “Radio Golf” is set in 1990 and follows Harmond Wilks, who aspires to become Pittsburgh’s first black mayor. The play addresses themes of progress, legacy, and gentrification as it revisits the home of Aunt Ester.

Premiere and Talent

• Premiere: 2005, Yale Repertory Theater; 2007, Broadway at Cort Theatre.
• Director: Kenny Leon.
• Notable Cast: Anthony Chisholm (Elder Joseph Barlow), Harry Lennix (Harmond Wilks).

Visual Representation in Wilson’s Century Cycle

August Wilson’s plays offer an unparalleled look into the African-American experience, each contributing to a larger narrative of resilience, identity, and cultural heritage. By immersing ourselves in these stories, we gain a profound understanding of the societal changes and personal struggles that have shaped the African-American journey throughout the 20th century.