August Wilson wrote "Fences." This iconic play premiered in 1985 and earned the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987.

Play Background

"Fences" is the sixth installment in August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle , a series of 10 plays chronicling African American life across 20th-century decades. Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, it centers on Troy Maxson, a former Negro league baseball player turned garbage collector, grappling with family tensions, racial barriers, and personal regrets. Wilson's poetic dialogue and symbolism—like the unfinished fence in Troy's yard—explore generational trauma and resilience.

The play debuted at Yale Repertory Theatre before Broadway success, including a Tony Award for Best Play. It was adapted into an Oscar-nominated 2016 film starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.

Wilson's Legacy

Born Frederick August Kittel Jr. in 1945, Wilson drew from his Pittsburgh roots to become a voice for Black America, often called the "theater's poet of Black America." Fences and The Piano Lesson both won Pulitzers, cementing his place in the American Theater Hall of Fame (inducted 2006). His work highlights systemic racism's lasting echoes, as Troy embodies opportunities denied to Black athletes pre-integration.

Key Themes & Impact

  • Family Dynamics : Troy's protectiveness masks bitterness, straining bonds with his sons Cory and Lyons.
  • Race & Dreams: Symbolized by baseball, Troy's unfulfilled talent reflects broader inequities.
  • Symbolism : The fence represents emotional barriers; Troy builds it slowly, mirroring his guarded heart.

Critics praise its universality—Bloom included it in the Western Canon—while educators use it for lessons on character complexity and historical context. Recent discussions (as of 2025) tie it to ongoing racial equity talks in sports and society.

TL;DR : August Wilson authored Fences (1985), a Pulitzer-winning drama on race, family, and regret in 1950s Pittsburgh.

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