August Wilson was the first African American playwright to have a Broadway theater bear his name, a fitting tribute to a dramatist who brought African American culture and lived experience to the stage. In this course, we will read, watch, and examine the final five plays in Wilson’s American Cycle, a ten-play series representing each decade of the African American culture’s 20th century. We will explore Wilson’s life and the influences behind his work while focusing on Fences, Two Trains Running, Jitney!, King Hedley II, and Radio Golf, tracing his powerful interpretation, celebration, and perseveration of African American culture. We will discuss how his characters were in search of America’s promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and, more importantly, for their “songs,” or true identities.

Course Trailer: August Wilson's American Cycle-Building Fences and Homes: The Latter Plays (Vimeo)

Note: Registration for the Summer Osher National Online courses will close on Tuesday, January 6, 2027.

Osher Online™ courses are not recorded.