August Wilson and The Pittsburgh Cycle. Let's talk about him.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 8:58am

I have wanted to read Wilson's Cycle for ages. I just picked up Gem and Joe Turner. I haven't seen too much on Wilson, with occasional references here and there. The little I have seen seems to suggest he was one of the greats, as does his track record. I was just wondering what people thought about the cycle of plays. Which do you like, which don't you like?. I'm curious.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 11:00am

He is truly one of the greatest playwrights we will ever know. And he will be very missed. His work is powerful, poetic, and profound.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 11:03am

have you read all of his work? do you have favorites?

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 1:41pm

any other thoughts?

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 1:46pm

I need to finish reading the cycle, but I have definitely enjoyed what I have read and seen. Gem of the Ocean may be my fave so far, but who knows when I finish?

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 1:47pm

What else have you read? are you reading it in order?

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 3:29pm

GEM OF THE OCEAN was one of the most beautiful evenings I've ever spent in the theater. The memories I have are extremely fond.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 3:36pm

I haven't read any of the plays (so I don't know how well they play on the page, but I imagine they come across well), but I've seen nine of the ten of the plays in their original productions (waiting to see RADIO GOLF later this season). That includes the eight that played Broadway (plus JITNEY that ran off-Broadway and didn't transfer), as well as revivals of MA RAINEY (Broadway and Arena Stage), TWO TRAINS RUNNING (Signature) and have tix to see KING HEDLEY at Signature later this season.

Generally speaking, his strongest works were the first four or five plays directed by (and developed with) Lloyd Richards -- MA RAINEY, FENCES, JOE TURNER, THE PIANO LESSON and JITNEY. They were more tightly constructed and narratively urgent than a few of the later works that at times suffered from Wilson's tendency toward loquaciousness -- a trait he shares with that other great American playwright, Eugene O'Neill, in some of O'Neill's later works (interestingly, O'Neill also attempted a multi-play cycle which he ended up destroying when he realized he couldn't complete it due to failing health). This isn't to say that Wilson's later works aren't wonderful (his poetic prose was always stunning), but they aren't quite as strong IMO as his earlier works (with the possible exception his next to last play GEM OF THE OCEAN, which struck me as a return to form).

I think his masterpiece is JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE, which perhaps more than any other work displays his mastery at capturing the innate rhythms of everyday speech and juxtaposing them with the spiritual to create explosive theatre. THE PIANO LESSON is also unique and powerful in that regard.

Wilson stands shoulder to shoulder with the greatest playwrights this country has ever produced and while it's tragic that we lost him so soon, his legacy will live on for many generations.

Updated On: 12/11/06 at 03:36 PM

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 3:41pm

I can hardly wait to read all of his plays in order.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 3:47pm

I'm really excited to start the plays in chronological order. From what I have read, it isn't necessary but it enriches the experience. Margo-- your thoughts were fascinating and thought-provoing. I like having an idea of what to expect as far as Wilson's dramatic form goes. What's the word on Radio Golf..is it still this season? I can't make it to Two Trains Running..but I think I am going to pick up KHII tickets , just so I can see something of Wilson's performed(well aside from Radio Golf when it comes around). I am looking forward to starting GEM ASAP, and am thrilled to read the intelligent perspectives coming from board members. Keep it going.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 4:06pm

No theatre has been confirmed yet, but RADIO GOLF will most likely open later this season on Broadway (I'm guessing April or so).

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 4:12pm

Were you able to catch it at Yale or any other out of town productions? (I think there was one more somewhere else)

What are your thoughts on Hedley?

I am interesting in creating some kind of meaningful dialogue on these plays, either printed or performed. With all the fame Wilson has achieved, there should be more to talk about.

[professor]

Posted: 12/11/06 at 4:22pm

August Wilson is one of the few playwrights whose work is both intensely theatrical AND readable (O'neill is another one). The characters and dialogue jump off the page. I would agree that Wilson is among the great American playwrights. My personal favorites are "Joe Turner's...", "Fences", and "The Piano Lesson". Do yourself a favor and see if you can find a copy of the TV-movie version of "The Piano Lesson" (directed by Lloyd Richards)- it will really enhance your reading of that one.

I'll tell you the thing that amazes me about Wilson: While he draws readers and playgoers in with a voice that speaks so intimately about the African American odyssey, there is still a universal aspect to his work. I think it may have something to do with his concentation (in each play) on ritual, folklore, and music.