(Erik Piepenburg’s article appeared in The New York Times, 1/10; via Pam Green.)
When “Jitney” opens in New York City this month, it will be the final work in August Wilson’s 10-play cycle about African-American lives in the 20th century to reach Broadway. Wilson, who died in 2005, wrote plays with many storytelling elements in common — they almost all took place in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, the playwright’s hometown; they bracingly examined issues of racism, friendship, romance and memory; the shadow of slavery was ever-present, if sparingly depicted; and they were also vibrantly distinct in their settings, ambitions and theatrical destinations. All of them received Tony Award nominations for best play. (“Fences” is the only one to win.)
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