November 27-December 3, 2003

artpicks

August Wilson

theater

Consider the scope of the African-American experience in 20th-century America. Imagine trying to document this monumental chunk of history. Imagine not only writing it down, but making it theatrical. Pittsburgh-born playwright August Wilson has been working for decades on a 10-play cycle that makes that attempt. Each play is set in Pittsburgh during a different decade from the past 100 years and presents the shared experiences of the black community. He learns about the eras and finds subjects for his plays by listening to the music of the times, particularly blues. He said once in an interview that "doing research is like putting on a straitjacket" because it locks you into a certain way of thinking. The ninth play in his series, Gem of the Ocean (set in 1904), recently premiered in Chicago, making the 1990s the only decade he hasn't covered yet. Wilson, recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes, a Tony Award and seven New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, has also advocated for more sufficient financial support of African-American theaters nationwide. This week, in an upcoming appearance at Bryn Mawr College, Wilson will likely read from several of these award-winning plays, and possibly from his collection of poetry.

August Wilson reads Tue., Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., free, Thomas Great Hall, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-526-5210.

—Keegan O'Connor

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