Review: AUGUST WILSON'S FENCES at Actors Theatre Of Little Rock

There is something undeniably electric about walking down into the basement of Actors Theatre of Little Rock at Quapaw United Methodist Church, because you immediately know you are about to experience theatre in its most raw and intimate form. That immersive magic is exactly what makes their production of Fences by August Wilson, running through May 2, such a gripping and unforgettable evening.

Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, Fences centers on Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player turned garbage collector, as he navigates the complexities of race, responsibility, and regret. The play explores Troy’s strained relationships with his wife Rose and son Cory, while examining the emotional walls he builds to protect himself from a world that has not always been kind. As dreams deferred collide with harsh realities, each character must wrestle with what it means to love, to forgive, and to move forward. 

Co-directed by Keith Harper and Quinton Sanders, this production leans fully into the intimacy of the space, making the audience feel like silent witnesses sitting right in Troy’s backyard. Their collaborative vision is clear in the pacing and emotional honesty of the piece, allowing Wilson’s poetic language to flow as if it were everyday conversation. Every moment feels authentic and immediate.

At the center of it all, T. Dion Burns delivers a commanding performance as Troy Maxson. He captures the character’s larger-than-life personality while never shying away from the deep-seated flaws that make Troy so complicated. Burns draws you in with his storytelling, landing each monologue with weight and intention, making you understand Troy even when you struggle to agree with him. And, when his temper flairs, his family rises to the challenge. 

Opposite him, Belinda Devine as Rose is absolutely stunning. She embodies grace, patience, and quiet endurance, building her performance with such care that when her breaking point finally comes, it is utterly devastating. Her emotional depth anchors the entire production, and my heart went out to her for having to deal with all the hardships she went through. 

For the performance I attended, Isaiah Austin took on the role of Cory, delivering a. emotional portrayal that captured the character’s internal conflict beautifully. His moments opposite Burns were especially compelling, filled with tension and a desperate need to be seen and understood.

As Jim Bono, David House provides a steady presence serving as both a friend to Troy and a moral compass within the story. He makes the scenes calmer in an otherwise frustrated household. Willie Lucious as Lyons brings a smooth, easygoing energy that contrasts beautifully with Troy’s rigidity. Though you want to tell that boy to get a job, you can'thelp but love his musician lifestyle he wants to keep.

My starry-heart eyes go to Donald Jackson as Gabriel. He embodied this character so fully that I just knew he was going to make me cry. He has this look in his eyes that make you fall in love with his sweet nature. Jackson’s performance is deeply affecting, capturing both the innocence and the underlying tragedy of Gabriel with such sincerity that every moment he is on stage feels sacred. There is a purity in his portrayal that cuts straight to the heart, making his journey one of the most unforgettable aspects of the production.

For this performance, Zuraiya Matabele appeared as Raynell, bringing a gentle sweetness and sincerity that added a quiet sense of hope to the story’s final moments. Her presence served as a reminder that even in the wake of hardship, there is still room for love and growth.

One of my favorite things about going to Actors Theatre of Little Rock is getting to experience their creative partnerships beyond the stage, and I always look forward to the specially designed sweet treat crafted just for each show by Loblolly Creamery. This time, the offering is Rose’s Garden Sorbet, a delightful swirl of champagne and strawberry sorbet that is dairy-free, vegan, and oh so yummy. It’s a refreshing and thoughtful nod to the character of Rose, adding just a touch of sweetness to an otherwise emotionally heavy evening.

A special shoutout goes to Intimacy Choreographer Caelon Colbert and Fight Director Xander Udochi, whose work ensured that the up-close and deeply personal moments felt incredibly real. In a space where the audience is just feet away, that level of precision and trust is essential, and their contributions elevated the emotional intensity of the production in a way that was both striking and respectful.

Scenic Designer Danny Grace deserves high praise for transforming the basement space into a fully realized backyard that feels both lived-in and symbolic. The design grounds the story in realism while subtly reinforcing the emotional boundaries at the heart of the play.

Reader Reviews

To post a comment, you must register and login.

Don't Miss a Arkansas News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...

Get Arkansas Emails & Offers

Get the latest news, discounts & more