Review #2 Fences

When I attended the Hartford Stage Company presentation of August Wilson's Fences, I did not plan on ever writing a review. I went with a dear friend and was going for an enjoyable evening at the theater. However, it was this piece that inspired me to start a blog about my theatrical journeys. The performances of Wendell Wright, Don Mayo, Wanda Christine, Che Ayende, Ray Anthony Thomas, Rob Riley and Hannah J. Maximin make up a family that was by far one of the best I have ever seen. I had never read a play of the late August Wilson's until I took African American Theatrical Literature last year from Prof. Nick Davis; if you ever attended Northwestern take very class from him that you can. After reading "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", "Joe Turner's Come and Gone", and "Fences", I discovered why this man is arguably the greatest African American playwright, and for sure one of the most important playwrights of the 20th century.

"Fences" which takes place in the decade of 1950 in Wilson's 10-Decade 10-Play Cycle is one of his more famous works. After reading it three times and now having seen it performed I can easily understand why. The text even though it is so simplistic connects with the audience. The power of the words allows the characters to become so believable. It is performers like Wendell Wright, the man who took on the role of the father, Troy, Maxon, who make these theater experiences unforgettable.

When I entered Hartford Stage, Scott Bradley's beautiful stage design had me anxiously awaiting the start of the play. Between Bradley, lighting designer R. Lap-Chi Chu, and director Jonathan Wilson the team created something that truly fulfills the wonder that is August Wilson.

This being the 20th anniversary revival of the play, the late Wilson could not have asked for a better production. From Hartford it moves to the Dallas Theater Center and then to the Portland Center Stage. I wish that I could provide more details from this production; however, unlike my normal mode in the theater I was not taking notes, but instead was just enthralled by what was happening onstage. The friend I attended with was also amazed, and he had never read or seen any of Wilson's works. There are few things that I would recommend as much as this, and I am actually hoping to go back one more time. If that's the case I will re-work this review. However, I can simply say that Wilson's production of August Wilson's "Fences" at Hartford Stage is not something you should miss.

"Fences" Hartford Stage Company - www.hartfordstage.org Now until February 11th.