August Wilson: The Legacy of an African American Playwright

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August Wilson: The Legacy of an African American Playwright

August Wilson was not just a playwright; he was a storyteller whose works provided a deep, unflinching look at the African American experience. His contribution to American theater is undeniable, with his plays shedding light on race, identity, and history in ways that had not been explored before on stage. With two Pulitzer Prizes to his name and a series of groundbreaking works, Wilson carved a legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists and audiences alike.

Who Was August Wilson?

August Wilson began his career in the late 1970s, gaining early recognition for his play Jitney. However, it was his 1987 play, Fences, that truly catapulted him into the spotlight, earning him both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award. Just a few years later, in 1990, he would win his second Pulitzer for The Piano Lesson. Throughout his career, Wilson remained dedicated to portraying the struggles, hopes, and dreams of African Americans, particularly in his 10-part series, The Pittsburgh Cycle.

Early Life and Education

Born as Frederick August Kittel on April 27, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wilson grew up in a world marked by both racial tension and rich cultural heritage. His mother, Daisy Wilson, was African American, while his father, Frederick Kittel, was a German immigrant. This diverse background gave Wilson a unique perspective, though his early years were far from easy.

Wilson’s family faced economic challenges, living in the predominantly Black Bedford Avenue area. When his parents divorced, he moved with his mother and siblings to the largely white neighborhood of Oakland, where he experienced intense racism and bigotry. These formative experiences shaped the themes he would explore in his later works.

Adopting the Pen Name: August Wilson

In 1965, following his father’s death, Wilson chose to adopt the name “August Wilson” as a tribute to his mother. Around this time, he began to focus on his writing, initially identifying himself as a poet. However, after struggling to gain recognition in poetry, he gradually transitioned into theater, which would become his true calling.

Co-founding the Black Horizon Theater

In 1968, Wilson teamed up with his friend Rob Penny to co-found the Black Horizon Theater in Pittsburgh. This theater was a platform dedicated to African American playwrights and actors, providing a space for Black stories to be told authentically. The theater played an important role in Wilson’s early career, helping him hone his craft and develop a deep commitment to representing Black life on stage.

The Journey to St. Paul

By 1978, Wilson moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he faced the challenge of establishing himself as a playwright. Despite early setbacks, this move proved pivotal in his career, as it allowed him to connect with key figures in the theater world and focus on creating plays that resonated with both Black and white audiences alike.

Wilson’s First Play: Jitney

Wilson’s breakthrough came in 1979 with Jitney, a play about unlicensed taxi drivers. This play marked the beginning of his success, earning him a fellowship at the Minneapolis Playwright Center. Jitney set the tone for the kind of work Wilson would produce—gritty, authentic portrayals of African American life.

The Influence of Lloyd Richards

A turning point in Wilson’s career came in 1982 when he met Lloyd Richards, a renowned theater director. Richards would go on to direct Wilson’s first six Broadway plays, including Fences and The Piano Lesson. Their collaboration was one of mutual respect and understanding, with Richards helping to bring Wilson’s powerful stories to the Broadway stage.

The Pittsburgh Cycle

One of Wilson’s most significant achievements is The Pittsburgh Cycle, also known as The Century Cycle. This series of 10 plays, each set in a different decade, chronicles the African American experience in Pittsburgh throughout the 20th century. The cycle explores themes of race, identity, and community, offering a profound insight into Black life in America.

Fences: A Pulitzer-Winning Play

Fences, which premiered in 1987, is perhaps Wilson’s most famous work. Set in the 1950s, it explores the complexities of race relations, fatherhood, and dreams deferred. The play follows Troy Maxson, a former baseball player turned garbage man, as he struggles with his past and his role as a father. Fences earned Wilson both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, cementing his place in American theater history.

The Piano Lesson: Another Pulitzer Success

Wilson’s second Pulitzer Prize came in 1990 with The Piano Lesson. The play, set in the 1930s, delves into the legacy of slavery and the importance of family history. It tells the story of a brother and sister who grapple with whether to sell a family heirloom—a piano carved with the faces of their enslaved ancestors. The play’s themes of heritage and identity resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Other Notable Works

Wilson’s body of work extends far beyond Fences and The Piano Lesson. In 1996, his play Seven Guitars premiered on Broadway, followed by King Hedley II in 2001 and Gem of the Ocean in 2004. Each of these works further solidified Wilson’s reputation as a master storyteller and chronicler of Black life in America.

Death and Legacy

August Wilson passed away on October 2, 2005, from liver cancer, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Just months before his death, his final play, Radio Golf, premiered in Los Angeles. Wilson’s work continues to be celebrated today, with his plays being revived on stages across the country and studied in classrooms worldwide. His ability to capture the Black experience with nuance, honesty, and empathy ensures that his legacy will endure for generations to come.

Personal Life

Wilson’s personal life was as complex as his characters. He married three times and had two daughters, Sakina and Azula. His relationships, marked by both love and challenge, often found echoes in the themes of his plays.

Quotes from August Wilson

Wilson’s words carry weight beyond his plays. He once said, “I think my plays offer (white Americans) a different way to look at Black Americans. For instance, in ‘Fences’ they see a garbageman… but they find out that the content of this Black garbageman’s life is affected by the same things—love, honor, beauty, betrayal, duty.” This quote reflects Wilson’s ability to bridge racial divides through storytelling.

Conclusion

August Wilson’s contribution to American theater is unparalleled. Through his work, he gave voice to the African American experience, capturing the joys, struggles, and complexities of life in a racially divided society. His legacy endures not only in the awards he won but in the impact his plays continue to have on audiences today.

FAQs

  1. What is August Wilson’s most famous work?
    • Fences is often considered Wilson’s most famous play, earning him both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award.
  2. How did August Wilson’s upbringing influence his plays?
    • Wilson’s experiences growing up in a racially divided Pittsburgh shaped the themes of race, identity, and struggle in his plays.
  3. What is The Pittsburgh Cycle?
    • The Pittsburgh Cycle is a series of 10 plays, each set in a different decade, chronicling African American life in Pittsburgh.
  4. Why is August Wilson considered a pioneer in African American theater?
    • Wilson’s focus on authentic portrayals of Black life in America, combined with his success in mainstream theater, cemented his status as a pioneer.
  5. How did August Wilson address race and identity in his works?
    • Wilson’s plays often explored the African American experience, focusing on themes of identity, racism, and the legacy of slavery.