The Life and Legacy of August Wilson
August Wilson (April 27, 1945-October 2, 2005) was a renowned author and playwright responsible for many plays throughout the 20th century. He is known for displaying the struggles, pains, and joys of African Americans while including underlying messages as well. Each time he wrote a different play, he created it to represent a different decade. He has received many awards for his work, and will be revered in the playwright industry forever.
Plays (Decade Represented):
Awards:
Plays (Decade Represented):
- 1900s - Gem of the Ocean (2003)
- 1910s - Joe Turner's Come and Gone (1984)
- 1920s - Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (1982)
- 1930s - The Piano Lesson (1986)
- 1940s - Seven Guitars (1995)
- 1950s - Fences (1983)
- 1960s - Two Trains Running (1990)
- 1970s - Jitney (1979)
- 1980s - King Hedley II (2001)
- 1990s - Radio Golf (2005)
Awards:
- 1985: Award for Best Play – Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
- 1986: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
- 1986: American Theatre Critics' Association Award - Fences
- 1987: Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play – Fences
- 1987: New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play – Fences
- 1987: Pulitzer Prize for Drama – Fences
- 1987: Tony Award for Best Play – Fences
- 1987: Outer Critics Circle Award - Fences
- 1987: Artist of the Year by Chicago Tribune
- 1988: Literary Lion Award from the New York Public Library
- 1988: New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play – Joe Turner's Come and Gone
- 1990: Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts and Distinguished Pennsylvania Artists
- 1990: Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play – The Piano Lesson
- 1990: New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play – The Piano Lesson
- 1990: Pulitzer Prize for Drama – The Piano Lesson
- 1991: Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame award
- 1992: American Theatre Critics' Association Award – Two Trains Running
- 1992: New York Drama Critics Circle Citation for Best American Play – Two Trains Running
- 1992: Clarence Muse Award
- 1996: New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play – Seven Guitars
- 1999: National Humanities Medal
- 2000: New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play – Jitney
- 2000: Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play – Jitney
- 2002: Olivier Award for Best new Play – Jitney
- 2004: The 10th Annual Heinz Award in Arts and Humanities
- 2004: The U.S. Comedy Arts Festival Freedom of Speech Award
- 2005: Make Shift Award at the U.S. Confederation of Play Writers
Silverman, Stephen. "Fences Playwright Dies." People. N.p.. Web. 2 Dec 2012. .