Description
August Wilson (April 27, 1945 – October 2, 2005) was an American playwright, best known for his plays set in the African-American community of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s Hill District. He won two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama and a Tony Award for Best Play.
Wilson was born and raised in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His mother was a cleaning woman, and his father was a jazz musician and part-time preacher. Wilson began writing poetry as a young man and was inspired by the sounds and stories of his African American heritage.
In the early 1970s, Wilson moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he began writing plays. His first produced play was Jitney, which was produced in 1979. After that, Wilson wrote a series of plays known as the “Pittsburgh Cycle,” which explored the African American experience in the Hill District of Pittsburgh from the early 20th century to the late 20th century. His other plays include Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Fences, and The Piano Lesson.
Wilson won numerous awards for his work, including two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama and a Tony Award for Best Play. He was also inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2004.
August Wilson’s legacy is remembered through his plays, which continue to be performed around the world. His works continue to serve as an inspiration to writers, actors, and directors, and as a reminder of the importance of telling stories that reflect the African American experience.
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