Tag Archives: august wilson

The Sad and Sorry Tale of Caesar Wilkes. (Radio Golf: Production notes #1)

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

To understand the end one must have an appreciation for the beginning. So as I begin production of Radio Golf by August Wilson I am compelled to look back over the American Century Cycle to the beginning. I met Caesar … Continue reading →

Posted in arts scholarship, August Wilson, belonging, Black Arts, North American African Perspective, Tales of Iron and Water, Theater, warrior art | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Wilson as Redemption Song

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

We are wandering in the wilderness; all there is to save us is an unsung song of self. If you can’t imagine North America as a wilderness you have not experienced history from my perspective. My people were captured and … Continue reading →

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Eight of Ten: Jitney, a Director’s Note

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

I am mid way through the production of Jitney. Only 3 shows left. It’s the second show of the cycle we have done at the Flight Deck in newly dubbed “Uptown”, (used to be plain old downtown), Oakland.  This is … Continue reading →

Posted in August Wilson, Black Arts, non fiction essay, North American African Perspective, Performing Arts, Theater | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

August Wilson portrait by Iconic artist James Gayles is for sale by auction.

Posted on December 1, 2014 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

Iconic artist James Gayles of Oakland CA has generously donated this portrait of America’s Shakespeare, August Wilson, to Oakland’s premiere North American African Theater Troupe, The Lower Bottom Playaz, to help fund their historic production of his seminal work The … Continue reading →

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August Wilson and Ferguson

Posted on November 30, 2014 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

Wilson noted: “I think my plays offer (white Americans) a different way to look at black Americans,” he told The Paris Review. “For instance, in ‘Fences’ they see a garbageman, a person they don’t really look at, although they see … Continue reading →

Posted in August Wilson, Black Arts, non fiction essay, North American African Perspective, Performing Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

lynching tree memoy

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

there are things I can never do i do not take certain things for granted no rose garden only grey tinted glasses blessed with memory too many people afraid to remember least the scars come open pus all over the … Continue reading →

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The American Century Cycle

Posted on October 12, 2014 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

I am often asked why August Wilson? Why did I decide to direct the American Century Cycle? I am producing the America’s greatest playwright’s seminal work in its entirety. I will be the first director to do so in chronological … Continue reading →

Posted in August Wilson, Black Arts, Life., non fiction essay, North American African Perspective, work in progress | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

August Wilson, The Lower Bottom Playaz, The American Century Cycle: Tales of Iron & Water

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

August Wilson, The Lower Bottom Playaz, The American Century Cycle: Tales of Iron & Water Please support Oakland’s premiere North American African theater troupe in their new residency at The Flight Deck as they continue their historic march though August … Continue reading →

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Two Trains Running: Lower Bottom Playaz Next Stop

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

Season 14 for the Lower Bottom Playaz starts with Two Trains Running by August Wilson. Wilson is one of America’s finest playwrights, his work The American Century Cycle is his signature writ large on the American theaterscape. His unduplicated accomplishment … Continue reading →

Posted in August Wilson, Black Arts, Craft, non fiction essay, North American African Perspective, Performing Arts, Tales of Iron and Water, Theater, work in progress | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Rainmaker

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Ayodele Nzinga, MFA, PhD

In order to make art artist need access to space, materials, marketing, points of exchange and more. Each item mentioned comes with a price tag. The bottom line gets bigger when you actually employ other artists. Star making needs Rainmakers. Continue reading →

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