Fences by August Wilson

August Wilson Born 1945 in the slums of Pittsburgh, PA Died October 2, 2005 of liver cancer Dad: Frederick August— a baker who never lived with the family (White) Mom: Daisy Wilson – a cleaning lady (African American) Stepfather: David Bedford; rocky relationship 4 th of 6 children; 2-bedroom apartment; no hot water or phone

August Wilson cont’d Very proud of his heritage Endured much racism at school, left when he was 15 and began educating himself at the local library. Worked odd jobs and submitted poetry to the U of Pittsburgh. Founded a black theater company in 1968 Moved to St. Paul in 1978, wrote scripts for the Science Museum; first time he is paid for writing

His View: Purpose for Writing New York Times, 1984: “My generation of blacks knew very little about the past of our parents. They shielded us from the indignities (humiliation) they suffered.” Wants everyone to know: life in regards to: social, living, jobs, family  1950’s  OR respective decade

The Plays Set a goal of writing a ten-cycle series of plays Each set in a different decade of the 20th century; different characters

In his own words… I'm taking each decade," Wilson said, "and looking at one of the most important questions that blacks confronted in that decade and writing a play about it. Put them all together, and you have a history."

The Plays 1982—Jitney (1970’s)Jitney Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (1920’s)Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Joe Turner's Come and Gone (1910)Joe Turner's Come and Gone Fences (1950’s)Fences The Piano Lesson (1930’s)The Piano Lesson 1990– Two Trains Running (1960’s)Two Trains Running Seven Guitars (1940’s)Seven Guitars King Hedley II (1980’s)King Hedley II Gem of the Ocean (1900’s)Gem of the Ocean Radio Golf (1990’s)Radio Golf

Fences—1950’s Written in 1983 Broadway in 1987  James Earl Jones played Troy Maxson  $11 million in one year  Breaks record for nonmusical plays  Character of Troy modeled after Wilson’s stepfather

Why so successful? All audiences, at any time can identify with Wilson's themes:  Family  Life choices  History  Regret  Hope and religious faith

Your family thoughts…11/2 Create a list of things your parents do that you will NEVER do when you are a parent. Create a second list of things you will do as a parent that your parents do. What is the best memory you have with your family/parents/mom/dad? Describe it. (at least 2 sentences)

Fences Synopsis “Fences tells the story of Troy Maxson, a hard- working garbage collector living in a northern industrial city in Troy is a great talker who entertains his friends and family with funny stories as they congregate in his back porch. He had been an excellent baseball player in his youth. Unfortunately, he was prevented from playing in the major leagues because of the ban on black athletes. By the time Jackie Robinson broke the "color barrier" in 1947, Troy was past his ballplaying prime….

Fences Synopsis cont. The experience left him bitter. However, Troy is a responsible man who has worked very hard for his home and family. Now his second son, Cory, a gifted athlete, wants to attend college on a sports scholarship. Troy is strongly opposed to that idea because he claims Cory will only end up disappointed. He feels Cory should be practical and learn a trade so that he can support himself. As they struggle over the issue, "fences are built.” - Tom Tomczak

What’s it “about” Family dynamics Conflicting values Dreams deferred (put off, not met) Fences/barriers between people Sports: Football & Baseball

Historical Events: African American Baseball 1946: Jackie Robinson joins professional baseball. 1947: 16 African Americans are drafted to play. 1957: (The events of the play take place.) Hank Aaron hits 44 home runs and is voted MVP. 1961: Roberto Clemente is voted National League batting champion. 1965: Tony Olivia, playing for the Minnesota Twins, is voted American League batting champion

Dreams List your top three dreams of the future. Imagine that, for some reason, number three(least important) does not come true. How do you feel?

Uh-oh Now imagine many of your friends’ dreams are just starting to come true, but perhaps because you don’t know the right people or have come across hard times (financial or emotional). Your second dream is unable to come true Sorry.  How do you feel about losing this dream too?

Ugh Now you have come across hard times. Your second dream is unable to come true due to a conflict (financial or emotional). You are forced to give up your number three dream. Now how do you feel?

Devastation Just because your parent(s) do not think your most important goal is worthwhile and just because they say so, they do whatever they can to keep you from achieving that goal/dream.

The point How do you think you would feel if you were unable to fulfill any of your dreams for your lifetime? Troy: (father) never accomplishes any of his goals Cory: (the son) his father, Troy, gets in his way to accomplish his goal just because Troy never reaches his own goals.

Parents & Disagreements Write about a time you had a disagreement with your parent(s). Items to include… (at least 3)  What was the disagreement over/about?  How long did the disagreement last?  Was the problem solved? How was it solved?  How did this disagreement have an impact on you and/or relationship with your parents?  What did you learn or take away from this disagreement?

Wilson wants to stay true to the time period… We use Buddy

The setting… Backyard Back Porch

Character and Symbols Troy (father) = baseball Cory (son) = football Rose (mother) = bouncy ball Lyons (Troy’s son from previous relationship) = ball on string Gabriel (Troy’s brother) = tennis ball with band aid Bono (Troy’s BFF) = Frisbee Raynell (?) = Golf ball