Shore Theatre Program presents Master Class on August Wilson

Mark Clayton Southers with August Wilson

The Theatre Program at Shore Cultural Centre, under the direction of Terrence Spivey, is offering a master class entitled “The World of August Wilson” on Saturday, June 10 from 10:00am – 1:00pm on the stage of Shore Auditorium.   This intense study of the acclaimed American playwright (Fences, The Piano Lesson) will be led by Mark Clayton Southers, former artistic director of the August Wilson Center and Founder and Producing Director of Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Co.   Southers, who knew Wilson personally, is considered an expert source on August Wilson and his work.  Wilson passed away at the age of 56 in 2005. 

The class will cover the main influences of Wilson—blues, Baraka (Leroi Jones), Romare Bearden and Jorge Luis Borges.  Southers will, also, discuss the Hill District of Pittsburgh—Wilson’s home for many years and the locale for many of his plays.  Key moments and scenes in Wilson’s plays will be discussed with emphasis placed upon the themes of love, honor, betrayal and duty and how they relate to the common man.  Southers personal relationship with Wilson will, also, be covered.

Actors from both Cleveland and Pittsburgh will present scenes The Piano Lesson, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Fences.  Participants will have the opportunity to work with the actors on these and other scenes from Wilson’s plays.  It is recommended that participants come prepared to work on a particular scene or have a monologue prepared from one of Wilson’s plays.

Admission to the master class is $25 for adults and is FREE for students with ID’s.  For more information or to register, call 216-289-8578.  A light snack and water will be provided mid-way through the class.     

Jim Spittle

Jim is the Programming and Marketing Manager for the Shore Cultural Center.

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Volume 8, Issue 5, Posted 4:01 PM, 05.07.2017