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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


Tickets Now On Sale For Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s 2026 Summer Theatre Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2026

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival has opened single-ticket sales for its 2026 Summer Theatre Series, themed 'Legends and Legacy,' in celebration of its 35th anniversary.
August Wilson's FENCES Extended At Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2026

The celebrated production of August Wilson's FENCES has been extended at CSC through March 8, offering more opportunities to experience this powerful drama.
Video: Inside Rehearsals for AUGUST WILSON'S THE PIANO LESSON at Milwaukee Rep
by Joshua Wright - Feb 10, 2026

Go inside rehearsals for Milwaukee Repertory Theater's production of August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, running February 24–March 22 in the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater.
Long Beach Playhouse To Present August Wilson’s GEM OF THE OCEAN
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 10, 2026

Long Beach Playhouse will present August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean as part of its mainstage season. The Pulitzer Prize–winning play is set in 1904 and is part of Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle.
Review: JITNEY at Black Theatre Troupe
by Herbert Paine - Feb 7, 2026

The play is suffused with the sympathetic wisdom that defines Wilson’s writing. He looks at lives many would dismiss as small or defeated and finds in them an undeniable nobility.
August Wilson’s THE PIANO LESSON to be Presented at Milwaukee Rep
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2026

Milwaukee Repertory Theater will continue its season with one of the most powerful works in the American canon, August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson in the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater.
Joel Grey and Phylicia Rashad to be Honored at Center Theatre Group 2026 Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2026

Center Theatre Group will present CTG: The Gala, the not-for-profit's annual event which will be held at The Music Center, featuring cocktails and dinner on the Jerry Moss Plaza and a one-night-only show at the Mark Taper Forum.
Full Cast Announced for DOG DAY AFTERNOON on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 2, 2026

DOG DAY AFTERNOON, a new play by Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Adly Guirgis (Between Riverside and Crazy, The Motherf***er with the Hat), has found its cast! The play is directed by two-time Olivier Award winner Rupert Goold (King Charles III) and inspired by the actual events that captivated audiences in the Oscar®-winning motion picture.
Video: First Look at THE PIANO LESSON at Milwaukee Rep
by Michael Major - Jan 30, 2026

Get a first look at 'August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson!' Watch the video preview of August Wilson’s explosive, award-winning play, their ninth production in Wilson’s American Century Cycle.
Soul Rep Theatre Company Will Present GEM OF THE OCEAN With Updated Run Dates
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 30, 2026

Soul Rep Theatre Company will present GEM OF THE OCEAN by August Wilson with updated run dates at the South Dallas Cultural Center. Performances will run in February 2026.
Ramin Karimloo Will Lead New Production of SWEENEY TODD in the UK
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2026

Ramin Karimloo is taking on the role of Sweeney Todd in a new production of Stephen Sondheim's music at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in the UK. Learn more about the show here!
Drama Desk Awards Set 2026 Date
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2026

The date has been set for the 70th Drama Desk Awards! The 2026 Drama Desk Awards will be held at The Town Hall on May 17, 2026. Learn more about the event here!
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Comes to Leeds Playhouse This Holiday Season
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2026

Leeds Playhouse has announced a festive treat for 2026: Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is coming to town! Learn more about the show here!
Jimmie Woody to Direct August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2026

Jimmie Woody will direct the upcoming production of August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING, set to open in January 2026. This event marks a significant addition to the theatrical season, showcasing Woody's directorial prowess.
Which Broadway Theatres Are Historically Most Desirable?
by Ben Waterhouse - Jan 23, 2026

Last week Hell’s Kitchen, located at the Shubert Theatre, announced that they would close on February 22. Aside from the unfortunate news that is for all who work on the show, it stands to wonder what might take that theatre in the next couple of months, and could that happen before the Tony Awards deadline? Furthermore, why is the Shubert Theatre in particular considered so desirable? 
The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Unveils Recipients of 2025 Special Achievement Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 22, 2026

The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle has revealed the recipients of its annual Special Achievement Awards honoring sustained achievements and contributions to L.A.’s theatre arts spanning seasons, years, and even decades.
ANGRY, RAUCOUS, AND SHAMELESSLY GORGEOUS Will Make West Coast Premiere
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2026

Portland Playhouse will bring Pearl Cleage’s razor-sharp, multi-generational feminist comedy Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous to their North Portland stage this winter, under the direction of Ramona Lisa Alexander.
DOG DAY AFTERNOON Adds John Ortiz, Jessica Hecht, and Spencer Garrett To Cast
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 21, 2026

Drama Desk Award nominee John Ortiz (Jesus Hopped the A Train), three-time Tony Award nominee Jessica Hecht (Eureka Day) and SAG Award nominee Spencer Garrett (Once Upon A Time in Hollywood) will join Emmy Award winner Jon Bernthal and two-time Emmy Award winner Ebon Moss-Bachrach in DOG DAY AFTERNOON.
FENCES and More Set For Headlong 2026 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2026

Headlong has announced details for their 2026 season including a brand-new production of August Wilson's Fences directed by Daniel Bailey (Red Pitch) in a co-production with Leeds Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and HOME Manchester.
Interview: Wendy Orshan & Jeffrey M. Wilson Unpack Their 30 Years of Broadway Shows
by Robert Diamond - Jan 17, 2026

In this second part of our in-depth conversation (read Part 1), Jeffrey and Wendy look back on their over three decade career on Broadway and shares stories about some of their favorite shows. 

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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