Blog

August Wilson in Spring Semester

January 25, 2012 by Corey Atkins, Artistic Associate for Engagement in Radio Golf

As Artistic Associate for Engagement, I'm always looking for ways to connect the work we produce with the community we serve--after all, we choose the plays in our season because we believe they have something to say to our region. That's especially true of our next show, Radio Golf, by legendary playwright August Wilson. This play asks "Can you build the future without bulldozing the past," and couldn't be more relevant to Cleveland. Wilson astutely weaves issues of race and gender, economic and educational privilege, and civic duty into a play filled with characters we can relate to and care about.

Since this play is so full of big, juicy questions, we're partnering with civic, business and education leaders throughout the community to bring the themes and ideas directly to the community.

First, we've programmed five special post-show panel discussions featuring local experts from areas of politics, education, urban studies and development, African American history and culture, and Community Development. These will take place after Tuesday evening performances on 2/21 and 2/28, and after all Saturday matinee performances.

We're also working with the Commission on Economic Inclusion to bring a unique program called "The Business of Change," featuring cast members from the play and facilitated discussion, to Employee Resource Groups at major area businesses like Key Bank.

Finally, we're very excited to be working with our Power of Three partner, Cleveland State University, for a series called "August (Wilson) in Spring (Semester). In conjunction with CSU's Black Studies Program and the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center, CPH is proud to present several round table discussions with NEOhio directors from an unprecedented 5 five area theatres who are producing August Wilson works this spring, as well as with Cleveland area playwrights and scholars who can connect us with Wilson's work in ways we never realized.

Check out CSU's flier for more on these events, and we'll see you there!

Related Shows: Radio Golf

Related File: flyerforaugustinspingcalendarofevents.pdf