Introduction to Non-African Drama: Fences by August Wilson - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

Title: Non-African Drama - "Fences" by August Wilson

Background of the Playwright/Dramatist:
- August Wilson (1945-2005) was an acclaimed American playwright known for his significant contributions to African American theater.
- Born Frederick August Kittel Jr. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he faced a challenging upbringing but found solace in libraries, which fueled his passion for literature and writing.
- Wilson is best known for his ten-play cycle, also known as The Pittsburgh Cycle or Century Cycle, which explores the African American experience in the 20th century.
- "Fences" is one of the most celebrated works in this cycle, earning Wilson numerous awards and recognition, including Pulitzer Prizes for Drama.

Background and Setting of the Play:
- "Fences" is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during the 1950s, a city with a significant African American population and a backdrop to many of Wilson's plays.
- The play primarily takes place in the backyard of the Maxson family's house, where a large, symbolic fence is being built by the main character, Troy Maxson.

Plot and Summary:
- "Fences" revolves around the life of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player who now works as a garbage collector.
- The central conflict of the play revolves around Troy's strained relationship with his son Cory, who aspires to play college football, a dream Troy opposes.
- Troy's character is complex and flawed, haunted by his past and a sense of missed opportunities due to racial discrimination.
- The fence that Troy is building becomes a metaphor for the barriers and divisions in his life, representing his attempts to protect his family while also keeping them at a distance.
- The play explores themes of race, family, generational conflict, and the American Dream within the context of the African American experience.
- Fences also delves into the impact of Troy's actions on his relationships with his wife, Rose, and his best friend, Bono.
- The climax of the play brings a devastating revelation, shaking the Maxson family to its core and leading to a poignant conclusion.

In summary, "Fences" by August Wilson is a powerful work of non-African drama set against the backdrop of 1950s Pittsburgh. It tells the compelling story of Troy Maxson and his family, tackling complex themes related to race, family, and personal aspirations. The play's rich characters and profound exploration of the African American experience have earned it a place of prominence in American theater.