Renovations Continue at the August Wilson House; Second Annual Birthday Block Party Announced

In its second year, the August Wilson Birthday Block Party promises to become a tradition, uniting Pittsburghers and visitors in a happy event in honor of the great playwright. On Sat., April 29, Noon-5 pm, the party will take over several blocks extending eastward from the August Wilson House (AWH) at 1727 Bedford Ave.

The free event is for all ages. Attractions will include food trucks and vendors of many kinds, performances, singers, dancers, drummers, children's activities, a fire truck, a glimpse of AWH restoration, tours of the August Wilson Park, fun, friendship and, of course, a cake!

Hourly on the half-hour, 12:30-4:30, there will be excerpts from AW's plays performed in the AWH backyard, while on the hour, 12:00-4:00, there will be music, song and dance performances further up Bedford.

August Wilson (1945-2005) would be 72 on April 27. One of his greatest fans, Denzel Washington, who spent much of 2016 in the Hill filming "Fences," has said, "August is one of the five great American Playwrights," and "you just play the music" of his language. He came to the Hill to get that language right.

THE August Wilson HOUSE, built in 1840 and 1880, is where the playwright spent his childhood, sharing two small rooms with his parents and five siblings, absorbing Hill lore, experiences and personalities that enrich his plays. The Daisy Wilson Artist Community, Inc. (named for his mother) is restoring the AWH both for those who want to celebrate his life and see where the 10 famous plays of the American Century Cycle (aka Pittsburgh Cycle) began, and as an intimate arts center that will nurture the artists of tomorrow.

IN THE YEAR since the 2016 Birthday Block Party:

* The AWH has gained a new roof and had most of its exterior brick walls rebuilt or repointed. Restoration is tailored to the historic building's period of significance - c. 1950, when AW lived there. Construction contracts include commitments to minority participation and a living wage.

* With AWH support, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre performed "Seven Guitars" throughout August for overflowing audiences in a backyard amphitheater - the very spot where AW wrote the play to take place. This is a template for future programming.

* Behind the scenes, the AWH Board has secured multiple grants (see below), achieved zoning approvals, consolidated parcels of land, established expanded fiscal planning controls and garnered increased Hill community support.

* In planning programs to serve residents of the Hill and Pittsburgh and supported by a Heinz Foundation grant, the AWH has engaged with CJAM, a leading national firm of arts and management consultants.

SUPPORTING THE MISSION of the AWH, increasing its visibility in 2016:

* Two blocks to the north, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy completed conversion of the dilapidated Cliffside Park into the new August Wilson Park.

* To the south, at 1839 Wylie Ave., site of the fictional home of Aunt Ester ("an-cestor"), who AW called the most important person in his 10-play cycle, the Jeron X. Grayson Community Center is installing a ceremonial garden to honor the values Aunt Ester and AW represent.

* The Paramount Pictures film of AW's "Fences," starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, was filmed in the Hill and released in record time to great popular and critical response - broadening interest in AW's roots in the Hill, which is a character in all his plays.

* On Broadway, AW's "Jitney" similarly increased AW's visibility. Nationally, he is in most years the most produced contemporary American playwright.

IN THE YEAR AHEAD:

* The AWH will complete the exterior restoration and, pending expected financial support, move to restore the house's 11 rooms, focusing first on the two rooms where AW lived.

* Within the year, we hope to begin programming inside the AWH, including access to AW's family apartment, exhibits about his life, and an August Wilson Reading Group.

* Further restoration will prevent staging a play this summer, but the intention is to expand into an August Wilson Festival of several plays in 2018.

* Nationally, the first of the planned HBO films of AW's other nine plays should create an ever-rising interest in his Hill District roots.

NONE OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE without the generous support of The Pittsburgh Foundation, including its Fisher Fund; The Heinz Endowments; McAuley Ministries; City of Pittsburgh Community Development Block Grant and Urban Redevelopment Authority; Allegheny County Community Infrastructure Tourism Fund; Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commission; and many private donors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BrIan Brown, Vice-President; Kathleen Glenister Roberts, Treasurer; Mark Clayton Southers; Denise Roberts; Terri Baltimore; and the following.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AugustWilsonHouse/