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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


Katori Hall's THE MOUNTAINTOP to be Presented at The Warehouse Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 13, 2026

The Mountaintop will be presented at The Warehouse Theatre this spring. The production brings Katori Hall’s acclaimed drama to the stage, reimagining the final night of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 13, 2026- MOULIN ROUGE! Extends Broadway Run and More
by - Apr 13, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 13, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Tyler Perry Joins Producing Team of JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2026

Producer, director, writer, and actor Tyler Perry has joined the producing team of August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone on Broadway. Learn more here!
Shop JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE Merch in BroadwayWorld's Theater Shop
by Michael Major - Apr 9, 2026

As August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone returns to Broadway, buy merch from the star-studded production! Be the first to buy merchandise from the show, including a beanie, music scarf, pin set, tote, mug, hoodie, and tee.
KEIKO GREEN'S YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE END OF THE WORLD! Begins At Oregon Shakespeare Festival This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 9, 2026

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) continues its 2026 season with the opening of You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World!, a raucous, heartfelt comedy by playwright Keiko Green.
Shop DOG DAY AFTERNOON Merch in BroadwayWorld's Theater Shop
by Michael Major - Apr 8, 2026

Before you go see Dog Day Afternoon on Broadway, buy some merch from the new production! The play is offering a variety of apparel, a mug, tote bag, journal, hat, magnet, and more.
Exclusive: De'Adre Aziza and More in FENCES at The Old Globe
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2026

You can now see photos of the cast of Fences at The Old Globe, in exclusive first look on BroadwayWorld. The production is now running on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage at The Old Globe Theatre.
Video Inside Rehearsals for AUGUST WILSON'S FENCES at Alley Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Apr 8, 2026

Alley Theatre has released rehearsal footage of August Wilson's Fences, the Tony Award-winning drama now playing through May 10, 2026 at the Hubbard Theatre in Houston, Texas.
Review: MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM at Goodman Theatre
by Rachel Weinberg - Apr 7, 2026

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM is a well-acted, slow-burn character study. August Wilson’s 1982 play centers on a fictitious 1927 Chicago album recording, as the musicians gather and wait for the notorious Ma Rainey (or Madam Rainey, as she demands they call her) to record her latest album. Ma Rainey has some dramatic tendencies — she’s an hour late to her own recording session and then comes in with a whirl of demands and suggestions for the session. 
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Will Come to Portland Playhouse in May
by Stephi Wild - Apr 7, 2026

Portland Playhouse will present THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, with opening night set for May 2nd. The production features a cast of Portland musical theatre performers in a show suited for both children and adults.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 6, 2026- New Look At MAYBE HAPPY Ending and More
by - Apr 6, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 6, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Review: Lyric Stage Boston's Latest Is ANGRY, RAUCOUS, AND SHAMELESSLY GORGEOUS
by R. Scott Reedy - Apr 6, 2026

What did our critic think of ANGRY, RAUCOUS, AND SHAMELESSLY GORGEOUS at The Lyric Stage Company Of Boston?
Photos: The Broadway Marquees of Spring 2026
by Jennifer Broski - Apr 5, 2026

The 2025/26 Broadway season is here at last, with many new productions set to arrive before the end of the season. If you don't live in New York City or frequent the Theater District, odds are you haven't seen Broadway's newest marquees! Check out what's up so far below.
Video: Taraji P. Henson & Cedric 'The Entertainer' Are Getting Into Character for JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE
by Luka Vonier - Apr 3, 2026

In just a matter of weeks, August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone officially returns to Broadway when it opens at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on April 25. Watch in this video as the whole company chats more about what audiences can expect.
Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Iconic Plays That Shaped American Theater
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 3, 2026

The Pulitzer Prize for Drama is one of the most prestigious honors in American theater, celebrating outstanding works that have made a significant impact on the stage. Here's a closer look at what the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is, how it works, and why it matters.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 3, 2026- JUST IN TIME Welcomes New Stars and More
by - Apr 3, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 3, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos & Video: MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM at The Goodman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 2, 2026

You can now get a first look at photos and videos of The Goodman’s Centennial Season revival of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom—helmed by Director Chuck Smith.
TITUBA American Premiere and More Set for Court Theatre 2026-2027 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 2, 2026

Court Theatre has unveiled its 72nd season. The 2026/27 season will feature the American premiere of Winsome Pinnock’s Tituba, set in colonial Salem against the backdrop of the infamous witch trials, and more.
HELLO, DOLLY! & More Lead Dallas's Spring 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Apr 2, 2026

Dallas is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Check out our top picks for Spring 2026 in Dallas!
THE GREAT GATSBY & More Lead Chicago's Spring 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Apr 2, 2026

Chicago is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Check out our top Chicago picks for Spring 2026!

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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