Who is August Wilson?
August Wilson was an award-winning American playwright who was known for his ability to create complex, layered stories that explored the African American experience across several decades. One of his most influential achievements is a cycle of ten plays referred to as The Pittsburgh Cycle or The Century Cycle, which are often described as powerful and engaging narratives that touch on those traumas of a changing world and its influence on the Black community - making Wilson an iconic force who was able to change theater as a whole.
The writer was celebrated as a playwright for those tales - highlighting the Black American experience. The author was a great protagonist, delivering stories - his plays that tackled various events including racial inequality, poverty, the American Dream - and he was often seen as someone who was intent on giving the Black community a voice.
What Are The Most Well-Known Plays of August Wilson?
August Wilson was renowned as a playwright. In addition to his work across the Pittsburgh Cycle and The Century Cycle (a collection of ten plays, one for each decade). A few are considered iconic productions - specifically those works that he created over a thirty-year period - from 1982 to 2005.
Fences , The Piano Lesson , Joe Turner Come and Gone, and "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom" were just a few of his many great contributions, showing how much his work has served as an influence to countless actors and playwrights. Those that enjoyed these works were also introduced to themes surrounding family dynamics (often featuring the relationship between a father and his son or a father and his daughter), poverty, and the unfair conditions that were prevalent in American culture - with these stories highlighting both the intensity and pain of the African American experience.
Why Should I Watch Denzel Washington's Adaptation of Fences?
Those who are familiar with Denzel Washington's career are aware that he is an acclaimed actor (he has even been awarded an Oscar for his incredible acting), but he has also served as a director. This combination of his abilities has allowed for some impressive and powerful work in film.
The play Fences was brought to film in 2016 with Washington's unique talents behind the camera and as the main actor in the movie. Those following his work may know Denzel Washington actor and even Denzel Washington director. With this film, he recreated a powerful, compelling and award-winning tale that explored the hardships of those families who are struggling in America.
Why Should I Read August Wilson's Plays?
August Wilson's play Fences became an impactful production. Denzel Washington's Fences movie became a critically-acclaimed release and even became a major Oscar contender - showcasing August Wilson play - which gave fans a new sense of how his words come to life. Those seeking a strong play can explore his work which highlights those powerful stories in a diverse number of forms - giving viewers the chance to consider how these stories will serve as a reminder of those important characters and events.
Those interested in learning more about Wilson and the African American experience - will also be rewarded, as these plays delve deep into social dynamics. His work has also received some significant honors. One key example: Fences ( which touched upon the core struggles of African Americans), was praised - it even received a Pulitzer prize as it captured just how the characters and events showed that Black lives are indeed worthy of being understood - particularly as the author attempted to portray how this culture and its characters deserve to be recognized across the theater landscape and beyond.
Will Denzel Washington direct a Play adaptation for Joe Turner Come and Gone?
Those who enjoy August Wilson's plays will likely be excited about his announcement about a possible Play Adaptation, especially given his talents as an Actor as well as a Director - both are critical elements for ensuring those productions take a memorable and engaging turn.
Washington recently confirmed that he was in the early stages of making a play adaptation - it's highly anticipated as he intends to tackle a production based on "Joe Turner Come and Gone" a play that also features several core, central themes and a unique setting.
What Is The Piano Lesson about?
The Piano Lesson - a play that was first produced in 1987 and subsequently debuted on Broadway, which also serves as part of August Wilson's Century Cycle - this play adaptation provides audiences with a journey through an intriguing setting in Pittsburgh. Those familiar with the play will recall how it follows a Black family and their confrontations - as they come together to consider what is valuable - an act that often means fighting back and finding the strength to forge ahead despite the many trials and hardships.
It focuses on the key conflict around the characters of Boy Willie and Berniece (who are brother and sister) who face off against the Troy Maxson character (often featured across many Wilson plays) as they find ways to overcome the obstacles presented to them as they come to grips with their inheritance.
Will Viola Davis Be Part of Joe Turner Come and Gone?
While no confirmed details are available, many will agree that it's not a longshot for Viola Davis to make a comeback. The actor was one of the key elements in Denzel Washington Fences. She has been one of those actors who often appears to take on complex characters with an unconventional and powerful, approach. Viola Davis Fences highlighted just how well her performance was praised by both critics and viewers.
The Fences movie was a key moment for Davis who went on to gain even more success and to show how well she can transition between film and theater, her strong performance may serve as a possible lead into a new production as Washington seeks out another adaptation that is going to bring to life another August Wilson story.
What Does Fences Highlight About the Black Experience?
August Wilson's play Fences - a powerful story centered on a family. Denzel Washington's adaptation in Fences movie - gives a glimpse into the Black community and The Piano Lesson play is another key element for showing how African American life unfolded over decades. Each story touched upon those events of the past and how they are shaping the Black community of the future. Each play explored how the characters are forced to make tough choices as they are subject to a society with inherent biases and even those injustices, which served as an influential force to drive them forward.
The events of those plays, such as Fences, take audiences on a journey through how those Black Americans are often struggling to find hope, dignity, and even justice - and how this can lead them into conflict, especially those characters that are fighting to keep a semblance of family and a sense of purpose in their lives. The plays have had a strong, ongoing influence, especially as audiences were given a deeper insight into what Black lives look like across those key moments and decades.
