August Wilson's Fences

by  August Wilson

Full Length Play, Drama  /  5m, 2f

This sensational drama starred James Earl Jones as Troy Maxson, a former star of the Negro baseball leagues who now works as a garbage man in 1957 Pittsburgh. Excluded as a black man from the major leagues during his prime, Troy's bitterness takes its toll on his relationships with his wife and his son, who now wants his own chance to play ball. Revived in 2010 starring Denzel Washington in the lead role.

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August Wilson's Fences

by  August Wilson

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August Wilson's Fences

  • Cast Size

    Cast Size

    5m, 2f
  • Accolades

    Accolades

    Tony, Pulitzer, From Broadway
  • Suggested Use

    Suggested Use

    • Cutting Approved for Competition
    • UIL Approved
    • Competition or audition material
  • Audience

    Target Audience

    • Adult

Additional Info

This sensational drama starred James Earl Jones as Troy Maxson, a former star of the Negro baseball leagues who now works as a garbage man in 1957 Pittsburgh. Excluded as a black man from the major leagues during his prime, Troy's bitterness takes its toll on his relationships with his wife and his son, who now wants his own chance to play ball. Revived in 2010 starring Denzel Washington in the lead role.
Read more +

Accolades

  • Winner! 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama
    Winner! Best Revival of a Play - 2010 Tony® Award
    Winner! Outstanding Revival of a Play - 2010 Outer Critics Circle Award
    Winner! Outstanding Revival of a Play - 2010 Drama Desk Award 

    August Wilson is the recipient of the 1986 Whiting Award for Drama

Reviews

"One of the great characters in American drama. One of the richest experiences I have ever had in the theatre. I wasn't just moved. I was transfixed." - New York Post

"A blockbuster and a major American play." - New York Daily News

Keywords

Aging, Childhood, Death, Love, Marriage, Memory, Parenting/Family, Sports, Black/African-American Interest, Adolescence/Childhood

Considerations

Performing Groups

  • College Theatre / Student
  • Community Theatre
  • Professional Theatre

License details

  • Minimum Fee: $125 per performance

Production

Details

  • Time Period: 1950s
  • Setting: The yard which fronts the only entrance to the Maxson household, an ancient two-story brick house set back off a small alley in a big-city neighborhood. 1957.
  • Features / Contains: Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes, Period Costumes

Casting

5m, 2f
TROY MAXSON
JIM BONO - Troy's friend
ROSE - Troy's wife
LYONS - Troy's oldest son by previous marriage
GABRIEL - Troy's brother
CORY - Troy and Rose's son
RAYNELL - Troy's daughter
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Cast Attributes

  • Role(s) for Black Actor(s)
  • Multicultural casting
  • Strong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle)

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Authors

August Wilson

August Wilson

August Wilson (April 27, 1945-October 2, 2005) authored 

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Fences first opened at the Yale Repertory Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut on April 30, 1985. Directed by Lloyd Richards.

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