August Wilson's Fences

This book provides a guide to the political and historical context of the 1950s and to the African American cultural context.August Wilson is generally acknowledged to be the most respected African American playwright. His cycle of plays spanning the decades of the twentieth century have been profoundly influential in the American theatre, and highly acclaimed. "Fences" represents the decade of the 1950s and when it premiered in 1985 it won the Pulitzer Prize. Set during the beginnings of the civil rights movement, it also concerns generational change and renewal, ending with a celebration of the life of its protagonist, even though it takes place at his funeral. Critics and scholars have lauded August Wilson's work for its universality and its ability, especially in Fences, to transcend racial barriers and earned him the titles of "America's greatest playwright" and "African American Shakespeare."The guide provides a comprehensive critical introduction to "Fences", giving students an overview of the background and context, including detailed analysis of the play, including its structure, style and characters; analysis of key production issues and choices; overview of the performance history from the first performances in 1985 to more recent productions; and an annotated guide to further reading highlighting key critical approaches."Continuum Modern Theatre Guides" offer concise, accessible and informed introductions to the key plays of modern times. Each book is carefully structured to offer a systematic study of the play in its biographical, historical, social and political context, an in-depth study of the text, an overview of the work's production history including screen adaptations, and practical work-shopping exercises. They also include a timeline and suggestions for further reading which highlight key critical approaches. This will enable students to develop their understanding of playwrights and theatre-makers, as well as inspiring them to broaden their studies.

'Fences, the centerpiece of August Wilson's epic ten-play cycle, is a moving tale of one man's struggle to create a home and family in a world that seems bent on destroying his dreams...In this book, Menson-Furr displays her considerable talents as an award-winning teacher, explaining the play with a straight-forward facility that should connect with students of all levels. This book is an excellent introduction to one of the most important American plays of the late 20th century, serving also as an excellent introduction to August Wilson, one of the most important American playwrights of the last fifty years.' - William W. Demastes, Louisiana State University, USA, "It is wonderful... [with] value to scholars and theatre artists alike. Anyone looking to structure a semester of study around this classic of American theatre will find this to be an invaluable resource. Likewise, for any actor, or other theatre artist, looking to stage a production of Fences, the workshop information, coupled with the background and contextual analysis that Dr. Furr provides, will greatly support their desire for a fully realized and in depth representation of what Mr. Wilson envisioned." - Reginald C. Brown, Assistant Professor, Department of Theatre and Dance, University of Memphis

Ladrica Menson-Furr is Assistant Professor of African American literature at the University of Memphis, USA.