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August Wilson Headshot

August Wilson

Date of Death: October 02, 2005 (60)

Birth Place: Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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BIO

August Wilson 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 Black Bottom (1984), Joe Turner's Come and Gone (1986), The Piano Lesson (1987), King Hedley II (1999). Two of his plays received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and two of his other works won the Tony Award for Best Play. In 2006 Wilson was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Photos

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Play

August Wilson, Radio Golf


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Best American Play

August Wilson, Radio Golf

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Play

August Wilson, Radio Golf

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Play

August Wilson, Gem of the Ocean


winner
Olivier Awards - 2002 - The BBC Award for Best New Play

August WilsonJitney

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Play

August Wilson, King Hedley II


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding New Play

August Wilson, Jitne


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2000 - The American Express Tribute

August Wilson


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - Best Play

August Wilson, Jitney

The Pulitzer Prize - 2000 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, King Hedley II

The Pulitzer Prize - 2000 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, King Hedley II


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1996 - Best Play

August Wilson, Seven Guitars

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Play

August Wilson, Seven Guitars

The Pulitzer Prize - 1995 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, Seven Guitars


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best American Play

August Wilson, Two Trains Running

The Pulitzer Prize - 1992 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, Two Trains Running

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Play

August Wilson, Two Trains Running


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding New Play

August Wilson, The Piano Lesson


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Play

August Wilson, The Piano Lesson


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1990 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August WilsonThe Piano Lesson

Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Play

August Wilson, The Piano Lesson

The Pulitzer Prize - 1989 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, The Piano Lesson

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding New Play

August Wilson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Play

August Wilson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Play

August Wilson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - Best Play

August Wilson, Fences


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - John Gassner Playwriting Award

August Wilson, Fences


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1987 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, Fences


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Play

August Wilson, Fences

Drama Desk Awards - 1985 - Outstanding Play

August Wilson, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1985 - Best Play

August Wilson, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Play

August Wilson, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Videos

News


Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Wins 2025 Steinberg/ACTA Award For PURPOSE
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2025

Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has won the 2025 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award for his play Purpose. Learn more here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld May 5, 2025
by - May 5, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 5, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend!
The Classical Theatre Of Harlem Seeks Support Following NEA Grant Cancellation
by A.A. Cristi - May 4, 2025

The Classical Theatre of Harlem is among a number of New York cultural institutions that have lost critical federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts due to recent directives from the current administration.
Photos: First Look at FENCES at Laguna Playhouse
by Nicole Rosky - May 3, 2025

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE will present one of August Wilson’s greatest triumphs focusing on the decade of the ‘50s, the Pulitzer Prize winning play FENCES, directed by Yvette Freeman-Hartley (Laguna Playhouse acclaimed production of Ain’t Misbehavin’). FENCES  will run through Sunday, May 18 at the Laguna Playhouse,. Check out photos here.
NEA Terminates Grants Following Trump’s Proposal to Eliminate the Agency
by Sidney Paterra - May 3, 2025

The National Endowment for the Arts has canceled numerous grants to arts organizations following President Trump's proposal to eliminate the agency, impacting theaters and nonprofits across the U.S.
St. Louis' JOAN LIPKIN Inducted into the College Of Fellows Of The AmericanTheatre
by James Lindhorst - May 3, 2025

This week St. Louisan Joan Lipkin was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre in ceremonies held on April 26 – 27, 2025 at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Lipkin is a internationally renowned theatre artist, playwright, educator, and activist who works in the intersection of performance and civic engagement to create dialogue about pressing issues. Lipkin called the cohort inducted this year “wonderful.” She was humbled to be included with the esteemed group of theatre professionals who were also inducted including Tony winner André De Shields, playwright and songwriter Caridad Svich, playwright and screenwriter Kristopher Diaz, author Daniel Banks, author J. Ellen Gainor, and Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning Playwright August Wilson who was inducted posthumously on what would have been his 80th birthday.  
DEAR EVAN HANSEN and More Set for Arden Theatre Company 2025-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2025

Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company has unveiled its 2025-26 season, featuring a dynamic lineup of performances including Dear Evan Hansen and more!
Video: Highlights of Eva Noblezada & Orville Peck in CABART AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by Nicole Rosky - May 2, 2025

Watch in this video as country music star Orville Peck and two-time Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada perform 'Money' and 'Mein Herr'. Peck and Noblezada will star in the Tony Award-winning production for a limited 16-week engagement through Sunday, July 20. 
Trinity Rep Concludes Season With BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY
by Stephi Wild - May 2, 2025

Trinity Repertory Company will present Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage, directed by resident company member Jackie Davis, beginning this month.
THE PRICE Cast And Creative Team Revealed At Two River Theater
by A.A. Cristi - May 1, 2025

Two River Theater has announced the cast and creative team for The Price by Arthur Miller (Death of A Salesman, The Crucible), directed by Brandon J. Dirden (August Wilson's Radio Golf, Wine in the Wilderness). This American Classic will run in the Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater, June 7 - 29, 2025.
Penn State To Present Premiere Of TRUE CRIME FRANKENSTEIN
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2025

Penn State will present the premiere production of the musical True Crime Frankenstein or the Modern, Modern Prometheus June 12-15 in the Penn State Downtown Theatre.
Photos: Dramatists Guild Awards Honor David Henry Hwang, Shaina Taub and More
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025

Last night, the Dramatists Guild of America honored the recipients of their 2025 Awards with a ceremony at Green Fig at which playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists celebrated their fellow theatre writers. Check out photos here!
MEAN GIRLS, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, and More Set For Beck Center For The Arts 2025-2026 Theater Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2025

Beck Center for the Arts has announced its 2025-2026 Professional Theater Season, the 92nd season which includes a big splash, comedies, dramas, musicals, and a new collaboration with Oberlin College & Conservatory Music Theater Program. 
Cast Of MADAME CLICQUOT Revealed At Pittsburgh CLO
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2025

Pittsburgh CLO, in association with 42nd Parallel Productions, has announced the cast of the highly anticipated world premiere of MADAME CLICQUOT: A Revolutionary Musical, an empowering new production based on the extraordinary true story of the woman who revolutionized the champagne industry.
Hannah Dodd and Rob Madge Will Lead CABARET at the Kit Kat Club in London
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025

The West End production of CABARET at the KIT KAT CLUB has announced new casting! From 29 May 2025, Bridgerton star Hannah Dodd will play Sally Bowles and Olivier nominee Rob Madge will play The Emcee. 
John Douglas Thompson and More to be Honored at Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2025

John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement and more when Red Bull Theater presents the annual Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit. Learn more and see how to attend.
Photos: Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada In CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 25, 2025

You can now check out new photos of Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada in Cabaret at The Kit Kat Club on Broadway. Learn more about the production here and see how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Jeb Brown’s Not Dead
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 25, 2025

Jeb Brown is very much alive, as audiences at the Longacre Theatre can attest. This spring he returns to the stage (in his 10th Broadway show) in Dead Outlaw, the weird and wonderful new musical that is shaking up this theatre season. Ahead of opening night Brown checked in with BroadwayWorld to discuss the show’s journey to Broadway, why why feels so at home with this company, and so much more.
August Wilson's FENCES Begins At Laguna Playhouse In May
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 25, 2025

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE will present one of August Wilson's greatest triumphs focusing on the decade of the ‘50s, the Pulitzer Prize winning play FENCES, directed by Yvette Freeman-Hartley (Laguna Playhouse acclaimed production of Ain't Misbehavin'). 
Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce Will Announce the 2025 Tony Awards Nominations
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 22, 2025

Tony Award winners Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce will announce the nominations for The 78th Annual Tony Awards, which will be announced live from Sofitel New York . We have all of the details here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has August Wilson written?

August Wilson has written 15 shows including Fences (Playwright), Joe Turner's Come and Gone (Playwright), Urban Blight (Bookwriter), The Piano Lesson (Playwright), Two Trains Running (Playwright), Seven Guitars (Playwright), Jitney (Playwright), King Hedley II (Playwright), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Playwright), Gem of the Ocean (Playwright), Seven Guitars (Playwright), Two Trains Running (Playwright), King Hedley II (Playwright), Radio Golf (Playwright), How I Learned What I Learned (Playwright).

What awards has August Wilson been nominated for?

August Wilson has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of the notable nominations include Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Radio Golf," Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Radio Golf," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Radio Golf," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Gem of the Ocean," The BBC Award for Best New Play (Olivier Awards) for "Jitney," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "King Hedley II," Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Jitney," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Jitney," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for "King Hedley II," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Seven Guitars," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Seven Guitars," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for "Seven Guitars," Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Two Trains Running," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for "Two Trains Running," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Two Trains Running," Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "The Piano Lesson," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "The Piano Lesson," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for "The Piano Lesson," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "The Piano Lesson," Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Fences," John Gassner Playwriting Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "Fences," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for "Fences," Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

What awards has August Wilson won?

August Wilson has won several awards for his plays. Some of his notable awards include the Best American Play from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Radio Golf," the BBC Award for Best New Play from the Olivier Awards for "Jitney," and the Outstanding New Play from the Drama Desk Awards for "Jitney." He has also received the American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "The Piano Lesson" and "Fences," and the John Gassner Playwriting Award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Fences." Additionally, Wilson has won multiple Best Play awards from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for plays such as "Jitney," "Seven Guitars," "Two Trains Running," "The Piano Lesson," "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

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