Written Sept. 17, 2008
August Wilson is known for his 10 play cycle, which chronicles African America life in America throughout the 20th century with each play set in a different decade.
Syracuse stage has produced three of Wilson's plays with in the last six years. "Jitney" in the fall of 2000, "Gem of the Ocean" in fall 2006 and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" which opens this fall.
The question this presents is why are Wilson's plays produced so often. The "Wilson is the only talented playwright that focuses on African-American issues" syndrome not only effects Syracuse Stage but theaters throughout the United states including repertory and high schools alike.
Kyle Bass, Syracuse University theater professor and playwright, teaches playwriting at Goddard College in a low residency program as well. This New York Foundation for the Arts award recipient has won awards for is plays that feature African American stories.
Although Bass celebrates Wilson's work, he said he believes the creation and production of more plays that encompass the minority experience are essential to the world of theater.
Hopefully, Wilson's plays, as great as they may be, will stop hogging the spotlight from new playwrights and allow them to come through the door he has opened.
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