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The August Wilson Century CycleDateline: 18th March, 2008Just over a year ago, when BTG reviewed Two Trains Running at Signature Theatre in New York City, we made a request. On the basis that August Wilson is undoubtedly one of the greatest playwrights of the last century, it seemed reasonable that somebody should run a complete cycle of his plays. At that stage, we suggested that the obvious place outside the United States to see all ten plays, each one encapsulating a single decade of the 20th century from an African-American perspective, was the National Theatre. Now, we almost have our wish. On 7th April, the National will at least see a launch party in the form of a Platform for something really special with many stars present including Bonnie Greer, Roy Williams and Paulette Randall. Nick Hern Books is publishing the complete Wilson Century Cycle in a boxed hardback set that should prove irresistible to lovers of his work and also collectors. For those who do not want to spend £200 in one go, each of the plays is also available separately. Nick Hern has spared no expense in preparing this series, commissioning introductions from some of the best-known names in American theatre, including novelist Toni Morrison, critic Frank Rich and playwright Tony Kushner together with actors such as Phylicia Rashad and Laurence Fishburn. Some readers may not be aware of quite the impression that August Wilson has made. A few facts should leave nobody in any doubt about this writer's remarkable achievements and his place in the American theatrical canon. August Wilson is one of the few playwrights who currently has a Broadway theatre commemorating his name. Arguably, on that basis he is more significant than Arthur Miller or Tennessee Williams, and right up there with Eugene O'Neill and George Gershwin. While that might seem special, Wilson was a black playwright when they did not exist. Almost single-handedly, he helped his fellows to launch themselves towards equality, thus helping so many others working on both sides of the Atlantic today. This genius of a playwright achieved so much thanks to a poetic way with words and an almost unmatched ability to tell heart-rending and heart-warming stories that encompassed the breadth and variety of humanity by focusing on a few individuals. It is to be hoped that this event will prove the start of a major project that might bring our dream into reality. Nicholas Hytner, if you're reading this, please please please go for broke and programme the whole of the August Wilson cycle. Not only will this help Nick Hern to sell what is probably the finest series of plays written in the last century but in addition, it will enthral London audiences and one sincerely hopes, sell out your theatre. Tickets for the platform event are available from the National Theatre at the following link http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/The%20August%20Wilson%20Century%20Cycle+34172.twl The books will be on sale in all good bookshops but in addition, can be ordered direct from Nick Hern. Philip Fisher
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