Uncovering August Wilson: Little-Known Information about the Creator of Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Uncovering August Wilson: Little-Known Information about the Creator of Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

August Wilson is a name that has become synonymous with powerful, thought-provoking storytelling. His contributions to American literature have been immense, and his plays have the ability to touch the hearts and souls of people from all walks of life. In this article, we will uncover little-known information about the creator of Fences and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, shedding light on his life, works, and legacy.

Early Life and Education

August Wilson was born Frederick August Kittel Jr. in 1945 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His parents were Frederick Kittel, a German immigrant, and Daisy Wilson, an African-American woman from North Carolina. Wilson’s parents divorced when he was just a child, and he and his siblings changed their last name to Wilson, after their mother’s maiden name.

Wilson attended Catholic schools as a child, but eventually dropped out of high school. He later received his GED, and went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh. Although he did not graduate, he was an avid reader and began to write poetry and plays.

Career Highlights

Wilson’s career as a playwright took off in the 1980s, when he began to gain critical acclaim for his plays dealing with the African-American experience. His play, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, was first produced in 1984, and earned Wilson his first Tony Award nomination. Two years later, his play, Fences, premiered on Broadway and earned Wilson the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Over the course of his career, Wilson wrote ten plays that are collectively known as The Pittsburgh Cycle. These plays deal with the lives of African-Americans throughout the twentieth century, and are set in Wilson’s hometown of Pittsburgh.

Legacy and Impact

Wilson’s impact on American theatre cannot be overstated. His plays have been performed all over the world, and have touched the lives of countless people. In addition to his numerous awards and accolades, Wilson is also the namesake of the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway.

Wilson passed away in 2005 at the age of 60. His legacy continues to live on through his works, as well as through the many scholarships and organizations that have been established in his name.

Key Takeaways

August Wilson was a prolific playwright who made significant contributions to American literature. Born in 1945, Wilson did not graduate from high school, but went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh. He began to gain critical acclaim with the production of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom in 1984, and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play, Fences, in 1986. Wilson’s impact on American theatre continues to be felt today, and his legacy is celebrated through the numerous organizations and scholarships that have been established in his name.