August Wilson (1945-2005)
I'm saddened to hear of the passing of one of America's greatest playwrights, August Wilson, at the seems-too-young age of 60. Wilson had announced just a month or so ago that he was dying of inoperable liver cancer.
Wilson's plays, most notably the Pulitzer Prize-winning Fences and The Piano Lesson, are genuine treasures of the American stage. His writing reflected a warmth and sensitivity, particularly in recording the African American experience and the universal human experience of family relationships, rarely seen anywhere. Wilson's dialogue contained the music of poetry without calling undue attention to itself.
Ten years ago, Hallmark Hall of Fame produced a marvelous version of The Piano Lesson for television, starring a talented cast that included Charles S. Dutton, Alfre Woodard, Courtney B. Vance, and Carl Gordon. It's available on DVD (I have a copy I videotaped at the time of its original airing). Share it with your family some evening soon.
Our condolences to Mr. Wilson's family and friends. He'll be missed, but his stories and characters live on.
Wilson's plays, most notably the Pulitzer Prize-winning Fences and The Piano Lesson, are genuine treasures of the American stage. His writing reflected a warmth and sensitivity, particularly in recording the African American experience and the universal human experience of family relationships, rarely seen anywhere. Wilson's dialogue contained the music of poetry without calling undue attention to itself.
Ten years ago, Hallmark Hall of Fame produced a marvelous version of The Piano Lesson for television, starring a talented cast that included Charles S. Dutton, Alfre Woodard, Courtney B. Vance, and Carl Gordon. It's available on DVD (I have a copy I videotaped at the time of its original airing). Share it with your family some evening soon.
Our condolences to Mr. Wilson's family and friends. He'll be missed, but his stories and characters live on.
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