The beautiful and humourous trials and tribulations of a black man in America.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival has done it, yet again, with the outstanding production of August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned. Directed by Tim Bond and performed by Steven Anthony Jones, the show celebrates its 20th anniversary exactly where it had made its world premiere, at Seattle Repertory Theatre. It is a one-man show worth seeing as it shines a light on the beautiful and intricate stories of August Wilson that explore the African-American experience.
The show centers around the life story of playwright August Wilson, born and raised in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, making his way to Seattle, Washington. The audience follows his journey as a black man in America and as an aspiring poet through the economic and social oppression of the 20th century. Recounting many experiences with a variety of difficult challenges and encounters with a vast range of people, August discusses the important lessons he’s learned from those who influenced him.
Focusing on his self-discovery as a Black Artist in America, his journey speaks loudly about the adversity of African-Americans in this country. To connect personally with its audience, by making it feel like a conversation between the audience and him. The dynamic shifts, throughout the script, served justice to every emotion, whether it be anger, sympathy, or laughter.
As Wilson, Steven Anthony Jones did an incredible job in this one-man show, his performance was articulate and meaningful. He took a deep dive into August Wilson’s stories and executed the rich and complex emotions well. The stage and set were beautiful and simplistic, not involving any major changes that deterred from the performance. The volume of the actor and the soundboard were clear, and the visual projection onto the set was accurate and an asset to the show. Overall, it was a beautifully executed production.
With some fair warning of flashing lights and explicit language, this show is an absolute must-see. This wonderful production celebrated his life experiences. August Wilson found Seattle Rep to be his artistic home and How I Learned What I Learned served as a tribute to the history and importance of his stories to our community. Truly an amazing production with so much knowledge and laughter.
How I Learned What I Learned by August Wilson. Bagley Wright Theatre, Seattle Repertory, Seattle Center Theatre, 300
Harrison, Seattle Center, Seattle 98000. April 21st 7:30 til May 14.
Tickets and Info:https://www.seattlerep.org/plays/202223-season/how-i-learned-what-i-learned/performances
Parking lots available. Take the Monorail from Westlake Center