Once In a Lifetime...August Wilson's Fences

More than ten years ago, well before I had any thoughts of becoming a writer, I read the play Fences in my ninth grade English class. My teacher took her time in explaining all of the underlying emotions and issues, telling us what they REALLY mean when they say this or that. After reading the play, I had said to myself that one day I would like to see it performed live by a real theater company. My time came recently. I am very ashamed to say that I am 26 years old and it was my first time ever seeing an all black theater cast. It's not unusual where I come from for someone my age not to patronize the black arts...it's just a shame. Just as I wasn't able to see Duke Ellington perform, I thought that it was sad that I would have to miss seeing a work of August Wilson during his lifetime. Needless to say, I was in for a treat. I have decided to support the black reportory in my city. I was also happy to find that Mr. Wilson is indeed, alive and well and residing in Seattle. I urge you to at least get a copy of the play in book form if you are unable to see the play.

August Wilson, born in 1945, grew up in Pittsburg, Penn. He has been desribed as one of 20th century America's most preeminent playwritghts, known for plays reflective of the lives of black Americans.

August Wilson involved himself in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and founded Black Horizon's Theater Co. in Pittsburg. He began writing plays for a small theater group in 1978 and in 1984 his work, Ma Rainy's Black Bottom carried him to take the New York Drama Critic's "Circle Award" for best play.

1987 proved to be a very good year for Wilson as well as he earned the Pulitzer Prize of that year for his play Fences. If you are familiar with The Piano Lesson, Wilson penned that as well.

Fences is 2 and a half hours of solid drama with a splash of humor..not enough to label it as a comedy but just enough. Rich in it's dialogue, story and emotion, thus delivering the essence of live performance as hoped for by a theater goer.

Troy Maxon is the power ball of the story. In younger days he played baseball for the Negro Leagues but now collects garbage for a living.

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