August Wilson
August Wilson: A Literary Luminary
Full Name and Common Aliases
August Wilson, born Frederick August Kittel Jr., is often referred to simply as August Wilson. He is also known by the affectionate nickname "Theater's Poet of Black America."
Birth and Death Dates
August Wilson was born on April 27, 1945, and passed away on October 2, 2005.
Nationality and Profession(s)
August Wilson was an American playwright renowned for his profound contributions to the world of theater. His work primarily focused on the African American experience, capturing the essence of Black life in the United States through his powerful narratives and compelling characters.
Early Life and Background
August Wilson was born in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a neighborhood that would later serve as the backdrop for many of his plays. He was the fourth of six children born to Daisy Wilson, an African American cleaning woman, and Frederick August Kittel Sr., a German immigrant and baker. Wilson's early life was marked by racial tension and economic hardship, experiences that deeply influenced his writing.
Wilson's education was unconventional. He attended several schools but faced racial discrimination, which led him to drop out of high school at the age of 15. Despite this, he continued his education independently, spending countless hours at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, where he immersed himself in literature and history. This self-directed learning laid the foundation for his future as a playwright.
Major Accomplishments
August Wilson's most significant accomplishment is his ten-play cycle, known as "The Pittsburgh Cycle" or "The Century Cycle." Each play is set in a different decade of the 20th century, chronicling the African American experience. This monumental body of work earned Wilson two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama, for "Fences" in 1987 and "The Piano Lesson" in 1990. His plays have been performed on Broadway and around the world, solidifying his status as one of America's greatest playwrights.
Notable Works or Actions
Among Wilson's most notable works are "Fences," "The Piano Lesson," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and "Joe Turner's Come and Gone." "Fences," perhaps his most famous play, explores themes of race, family, and identity through the story of Troy Maxson, a former baseball player turned garbage collector. The play was adapted into a critically acclaimed film in 2016, directed by and starring Denzel Washington.
Wilson's plays are celebrated for their rich character development and authentic dialogue, which capture the rhythms and nuances of African American speech. His work not only entertains but also educates audiences about the complexities of Black life in America.
Impact and Legacy
August Wilson's impact on American theater is profound and enduring. He gave voice to the African American experience in a way that was both authentic and universal, allowing audiences of all backgrounds to connect with his characters and stories. His plays have become staples of American theater, studied in schools and performed by theater companies worldwide.
Wilson's legacy extends beyond his plays. He was a passionate advocate for Black artists and playwrights, often speaking out about the need for greater representation and opportunities in the arts. His work has inspired a new generation of playwrights and actors, who continue to build on his legacy of storytelling and cultural exploration.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
August Wilson is widely quoted and remembered for his ability to capture the essence of the African American experience with honesty and empathy. His plays are rich with memorable lines that resonate with audiences, offering insights into the human condition and the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans.
Wilson's work is celebrated for its lyrical language and profound themes, which explore issues of identity, family, and social justice. His quotes often reflect his deep understanding of the complexities of life and the resilience of the human spirit. As a result, his words continue to inspire and provoke thought, ensuring that his legacy endures for generations to come.
Quotes by August Wilson
August Wilson's insights on:
My first wife is a good woman, I still can't say nothing bad about her other than the fact that we had a difference on religion. She wanted someone who was a Muslim who shared those values. And I was like a heathen. I had to stay home on Sundays and watch the football game.
I think of dying every day... At a certain age, you should be prepared to go at any time.
I try to explore, in terms of the life I know best, those things which are common to all cultures.
Part of what our problem as blacks in America is that we don't claim that. Partly, you see, because of the linguistic environment in which we live.
I do - very specifically, I remember Bessie Smith; I used to collect 78 records that I would buy from the St Vincent de Paul store at five cents apiece, and I did this indiscriminately. I would just take whatever was there. And I listened to Patti Page and Walter Huston, 'September Song.'
Scripts were rather scarce in 1968. We did a lot of Amiri Baraka's plays, the agitprop stuff he was writing. It was at a time when black student organizations were active on the campuses, so we were invited to the colleges around Pittsburgh and Ohio, and even as far away as Jackson, Mississippi.
I don't write particularly to effect social change. I believe writing can do that, but that's not why I write.