"How I Learned What I Learned"

August Wilson (April 27, 1945 – October 2, 2005) was an American playwright referred to as
the "theater's poet of Black America.” He is best known for a series of 10 plays, collectively
called The Pittsburgh Cycle, which chronicles the experiences and heritage of the African-
American community in the 20th century. Plays in the series include Fences (1987) and The
Piano Lesson (1990), each of which won Wilson the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as Ma
Rainey's Black Bottom (1984) and Joe Turner's Come and Gone (1988). Viola Davis said that
Wilson's writing "captures our humor, our vulnerabilities, our tragedies, our trauma. And he
humanizes us. And he allows us to talk."

Originally written and performed by August Wilson himself in 2003, "How I Learned What I Learned" is the autobiographical story of a young black artist's journey through the hardships of growing up in the Hill District, ultimately leading to his success as a writer. The show paints a vivid portrait of Pittsburgh and its characters, defining an era through Wilson's distinctive poetic lens.

Reception to follow.

Admission is free, but a $20+ freewill donation is highly encouraged to support the programming, artists, and refreshments.

***This performance will not include the play in its entirety and contains strong language that some may find disturbing.