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August Wilson

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.

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Productions

 
[Broadway, 2026]
Playwright

Writing

Playwright
Bookwriter
Playwright
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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


Interview: Brockton Native Alex J. Gould Talks Broadway Debut in DOG DAY AFTERNOON
by R. Scott Reedy - Jun 5, 2026

Brockton-born actor Alex J. Gould is currently making his Broadway debut in “Dog Day Afternoon,” appearing alongside Emmy Award-winning actors Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach from the FX on Hulu series “The Bear.”
Video: 2026 Lifetime Achievement and Isabelle Stevenson Tony Awards Recipients Speeches
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 5, 2026

You can now watch the acceptance speeches from this year’s Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre recipients André Bishop, Jules Fisher, and James Lapin, and Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award winner Mary-Mitchell Campbell.
Video: Danielle Brooks Stars in Broadway-Themed UBER THE MUSICAL Ad
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 5, 2026

In 'Uber: The Musical,' Danielle Brooks taps into her theater background with a Broadway-inspired jingle that serves as an advertisement for the popular rideshare service. Check it out now.
THE PIANO LESSON to Open Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's 35th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 4, 2026

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames directs August Wilson's The Piano Lesson at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, marking the company's 35th anniversary season at DeSales University's Schubert Theatre.
2026 Tony Awards Guide - How to Watch, Who is Nominated & More
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 5, 2026

Something's coming! The best of Broadway will take the stage Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall for the 79th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by P!nk. Need a refresher on how to watch and when? We've got you covered!
Court Theatre to Present 10th Anniversary SPOTLIGHT READING SERIES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2026

Court Theatre will present the Spotlight Reading Series. The Spotlight Reading Series will run at venues throughout Chicago. The event is curated by Director of Engagement Kamilah Rashied.
Lalah Hathaway, Lady Blackbird and More Join PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL 2026
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2026

The 16th annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival revealed a lineup including Lalah Hathaway, Terri Lyne Carrington, Lady Blackbird, and Bernard Purdie, with most performances free on Liberty Avenue.
Cast Set For PARANORMAL ACTIVITY on Broadway and in Boston
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2026

The complete cast has been announced for the Boston and Broadway  productions of the Olivier Award nominated new play PARANORMAL ACTIVITY. Learn more about the cast here!
1776 and More Set for Towson University's Summer At The Center 2026
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 1, 2026

Towson University's College of Fine Arts & Communication will present a monthlong multidisciplinary arts festival honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S., featuring theater, dance, music, film, and visual art.
SCHMIGADOON!, THE BALUSTERS and GIANT Win Top Categories at 2026 Dorian Theater Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 1, 2026

GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics kicked off Pride Month by bestowing Prince Faggot and Ragtime top honors in the group’s fourth annual Dorian Theater Awards.
Cast Set For PARANORMAL ACTIVITY UK and Ireland Tour
by Stephi Wild - Jun 1, 2026

Melting Pot announced casting for the UK and Ireland tour of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, starring James Bye, Hannah Sinclair Robinson, Jo Castleton, and Caroline Faber, with the production set to visit towns and cities nationwide.
Photos: Whoopi Goldberg Visits JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 1, 2026

Whoopi Goldberg recently paid a visit to Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway. Following the performance, she posed with members of the cast, including  Taraji P. Henson and Cedric “The Entertainer.' Check out photos here!
Interview: John Ortiz on Finding Humanity & Hope in DOG DAY AFTERNOON
by David Clarke - May 29, 2026

As Detective Fucco, John Ortiz brings depth to a character who could be reduced to a stereotype. He discusses the show's timely themes, Stephen Adly Guirgis' adaptation, and the Tony-nominated creative team helping bring the production to life.
BEST FOR BABY World Premiere and More Set for Chautauqua Theater Company 2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2026

Chautauqua Theater Company announced its 2026 season, featuring a commissioned world premiere, new play workshops, and the opening of the Roe Green Theater Center, a dedicated space for new play development and artist training.
CUL-DE-SAC and HOUSE GYALZ to Receive Staged Readings at La MaMa
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2026

La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club has announced staged readings of CUL-DE-SAC by Leslie Gauthier and HOUSE GYALZ by Abigail C. Onwunali, this year's Morgan Jenness Experiments in Playwriting Fellows.
Pittsburgh CLO to Host 80th Anniversary Gala Concert Honoring Carol Hefren Tillotson
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2026

Pittsburgh CLO will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a gala on June 12 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. The event will honor Carol Hefren Tillotson and feature a special anniversary concert highlighting the organization's history.
ELECTRA AMERICA World Premiere, Newly Adapted THE SEAGULL and More Set for Yale Rep 26-27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 27, 2026

Yale Repertory Theatre has revealed its 2026-27 season. 2026-27 kicks off with August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom in October, and will be followed by world premieres and more.
TEEN DAD World Premiere, JITNEY and More Set for Passage Theatre 42 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 26, 2026

Passage Theatre Company in Trenton, NJ revealed its 42nd season, its largest since before 2020, featuring a world premiere, August Wilson's Jitney, and much more.
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY Will Extend Again in London's West End
by Stephi Wild - May 26, 2026

Following the recent announcement that Paranormal Activity is set to return to its West End home, a fourth extension has been announced, following demand ahead of reopening in the capital.
Tamzin Outhwaite and Kevin Bishop Will Lead West End Transfer of Mike Leigh's ABIGAIL'S PARTY
by Stephi Wild - May 26, 2026

Mike Leigh's black comedy ABIGAIL'S PARTY, directed by Nadia Fall, will transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre following its Theatre Royal Stratford East run, with Tamzin Outhwaite and Kevin Bishop leading the cast.

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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