From the 60 Minutes archive: August Wilson

Summary

This transcript highlights the life and work of August Wilson, one of America's greatest playwrights. Despite dropping out of high school, Wilson pursued his passion for writing, capturing the African-American experience across decades in his renowned plays, including 'Fences' and 'The Piano Lesson.' Growing up in Pittsburgh's Hill District, Wilson faced racism and hardship, yet found inspiration in the stories of those around him. His plays delve into themes like racial injustice and the struggle for identity. Wilson's dedication to his craft has profoundly impacted American theater, making him a celebrated figure in the arts.

Takeaways

• 🎭 August Wilson is regarded as one of America's greatest playwrights, despite being a high school dropout from Pittsburgh.
• ✍️ Wilson was driven by a passion to write from a young age, first writing poetry and later moving into plays.
• 🏆 He created a 10-play cycle, with each play set in a different decade of the 20th century, portraying the African-American experience.
• 🎖 Two of his most famous plays, 'Fences' and 'The Piano Lesson,' won Pulitzer Prizes.
• 🔗 Wilson's works focus on themes central to the Black experience, such as the legacy of slavery, justice, and economic struggles.
• 📚 Despite dropping out of high school, Wilson spent years educating himself by reading in Pittsburgh's Carnegie Library.
• 💡 His inspiration came from the stories and voices he heard growing up in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, which he later infused into his plays.
• 💪 Wilson was often labeled an 'angry playwright' for addressing tough racial issues like police violence and systemic racism in his works.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 He admitted to prioritizing his work over family life, stating that art is his life's purpose, which sometimes came at the cost of personal relationships.
• 🌍 Wilson’s plays not only gained widespread recognition but also changed the face of American theater, with his works being staples on Broadway and beyond.

Q & A

Who is August Wilson, and why is he considered one of America's greatest playwrights?

August Wilson is a highly acclaimed American playwright known for his series of plays that depict the African-American experience throughout the 20th century. His works, including 'Fences' and 'The Piano Lesson,' have won multiple Pulitzer Prizes, making him one of the most celebrated playwrights in America.

What inspired August Wilson to start writing plays?

Wilson was inspired by his passion for storytelling and his desire to capture the essence of African-American culture. His early experiences in Pittsburgh, especially listening to the stories and voices around him, provided the raw material for his plays. His first attempts at writing plays, however, were unsuccessful, and it wasn't until he moved to Minnesota that he began to seriously pursue drama.

How did August Wilson’s upbringing influence his work?

Wilson grew up in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, a predominantly black neighborhood, which profoundly shaped his understanding of the African-American experience. His childhood, marked by the absence of his alcoholic father and the struggles of his hardworking mother, infused his plays with themes of survival, racism, and the search for identity. The discrimination he faced at school also influenced his works, highlighting racial injustice.

What role did the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh play in Wilson's development as a writer?

After dropping out of school at 15, Wilson spent countless hours at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, where he educated himself by reading hundreds of books. This self-directed learning provided him with a wide literary foundation, which later helped him become a successful playwright.

How does August Wilson incorporate themes of black culture and history in his plays?

Wilson’s plays are deeply rooted in the African-American experience, often exploring themes such as the legacy of slavery, racism, economic disintegration, and family struggles. His plays, like 'Fences' and 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,' serve as a narrative of black America’s journey, highlighting the community's resilience and struggles.

What is the significance of the play 'Fences' in Wilson’s body of work?

'Fences' is one of Wilson's most famous plays and a key part of his ten-play cycle. It examines the personal and societal struggles of a black father in 1950s America. The play reflects themes of racial injustice, family dynamics, and generational conflict, earning it a Pulitzer Prize and cementing Wilson’s reputation.

Why did August Wilson drop out of high school, and how did that impact his career?

Wilson dropped out of high school due to the racial discrimination he faced. He was the only black student in his class and received constant racist notes. Despite this setback, he continued his education through self-study at the library, which allowed him to grow into a prolific writer.

How does August Wilson approach the writing process, and what is his philosophy on writing?

Wilson describes writing as a spiritual experience where he 'taps into the blood's memory.' He often starts with the voices of his characters and writes long plays, which he later edits down. For him, writing is a deeply personal and creative process that takes precedence over everything else in his life, including his family.

Why does August Wilson believe the black community is 'lost,' as mentioned in the script?

Wilson argues that the disconnection from roots and tradition has left many in the black community without a sense of identity or direction. He believes that the loss of historical and familial ties has resulted in confusion, purposelessness, and a lack of understanding of one's role and responsibilities in the world.

What impact did Wilson’s plays have on American theater, and how is he remembered today?

August Wilson is credited with changing the face of American theater by bringing African-American culture and experiences to the forefront. His plays are regularly performed and studied, ensuring his legacy as a major figure in American drama. His works continue to resonate because they address universal themes of struggle, identity, and justice.