Set in Pittsburgh in the 1950s, Fences depicts the life of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball star now scraping by asa sanitation worker. A towering figure facing thwarted aspirations, Troy attempts to assert control in his life through his relationships with his wife and his son, who now wants his own chance to play ball. But even as he takes responsibility for their safety and well-being, he betrays them each in ways that will forever alter their lives. Part of August Wilson’s 10-play Century Cycle, Fences explores the walls we build around ourselves and our loved ones, while also illuminating one family’s struggles during this era.
The play won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1987 Tony Award for Best Play, and starred James Earl Jones.
The first Broadway revival opened in 2010, directed by KennyLeon, and starred Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. The revival was nominated for ten Tony Awards, winning three for Best Revival of a Play, Best Actor in aPlay (Denzel Washington), and Best Actress in a Play (Viola Davis).
Fences is a mesmerizing and important piece of American Theatre.
