August Wilson in Context

August Wilson is one of the twentieth century's most important and acclaimed playwrights. This volume demonstrates Wilson's significance to contemporary theatre, culture, and politics by providing fresh and compelling insights into his life, practices, and contributions as an artist and public intellectual. Across four thematically organized sections, contributors situate Wilson's work in his social, cultural and political contexts, examine ongoing developments in Wilson studies, explore the production contexts of his plays, and explicate his dramaturgical sensibilities and strategies. This is the authoritative guide to Wilson's career and artistic legacy for students, theatre practitioners, and general readers interested in this remarkable figure.

• Provides contemporary insights from a diverse and interdisciplinary mix of scholars and artists into Wilson's life, dramatic works, and influence as one of America's most celebrated playwrights
• Primes readers to explore Wilson's role as a playwright and spokesperson for marginalized voices in American theatre, and connects Wilson with contemporary issues such as the Black Lives Matter Movement and the We See You White American Theatre coalition
• Divided into four thematically organized sections, rendering Wilson's career, work and far-reaching legacy comprehensible to both students and general readers