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August Wilson

Writing

August Wilson

Born April 27, 1945 · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Died October 2, 2005 · aged 60

August Wilson (April 27, 1945 – October 2, 2005) was an American playwright. He has been referred to as the "theater's poet of Black America". He is best known for a series of ten plays, collectively called The Pittsburgh Cycle, which chronicle the experiences and heritage of the African-American community in the 20th century. Plays in the series include, Jitney (1982), Fences (1984), Ma Rainey's …

Known For

The Piano LessonThe Piano Lesson · 2024
The Piano Lesson
★ 5.92024
MovieDrama
A brother and sister's battle over a prized heirloom piano unleashes haunting truths about how the past is perceived — and who defines a family legacy.
Ma Rainey's Black BottomMa Rainey's Black Bottom · 2020
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
★ 6.62020
MovieDramaMusic
Tensions rise when the trailblazing Mother of the Blues and her band gather at a Chicago recording studio in 1927. Adapted from August Wilson's play.
FencesFences · 2016
Fences
★ 6.92016
MovieDrama
In 1950s Pittsburgh, a frustrated African-American father struggles with the constraints of poverty, racism, and his own inner demons as he tries to raise a family.
The Piano LessonThe Piano Lesson · 1995
The Piano Lesson
★ 7.61995
MovieDramaTV Movie
1930's Pittsburgh, a brother comes home to claim "my half of the piano", a family heirloom; but his sister is not wanting to part with it. This is a glimpse of the conditions for African-Americans as well as some of the attitudes and influences on their lives. But whether he is able to sell the piano so that he can get enough money to buy some property and "no longer have to work for someone else" involves the story (or lesson) that the piano has to show him.
Wylie Avenue DaysWylie Avenue Days · 1991
Wylie Avenue Days
1991
MovieDocumentary
The Pittsburgh History Series is an ongoing series of hour-long documentaries that highlight various parts of our city's history. Since 1988, these documentaries have captivated local audiences by mixing memories, old films, [mementos], home movies, snapshots and new interviews.
The South Bank ShowThe South Bank Show · 1978
The South Bank Show
★ 5.61978
SeriesDocumentaryTalk
The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.
Hallmark Hall of FameHallmark Hall of Fame · 1951
Hallmark Hall of Fame
★ 8.81951
SeriesDrama
Long-running anthology program sponsored by Hallmark Cards. Beginning in 1951 and continuing into 2019, the series received 80 Emmy Awards, 24 Christopher Awards, 11 Peabody Awards, 9 Golden Globes, and 4 Humanitas Prizes. Early seasons were a weekly live drama, eventually transitioning to videotaped and then filmed productions broadcast as occasional specials.

Filmography

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