1985: The Year of Fences on the Play the Yard

1985 was a banner year for the play "Fences." The play, written by August Wilson and directed by Lloyd Richards, opened on Broadway on March 26, 1985, and ran for 465 performances. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play, and it launched the career of Denzel Washington, who starred in the lead role of Troy Maxson.

"Fences" is a powerful and moving play that explores the themes of race, family, and the American dream. The play is set in the 1950s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and it follows the story of Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player who is now working as a garbage collector. Troy is a complex and troubled character, and he struggles to come to terms with his past and his present. He is also haunted by the memory of his father, who was a slave.

"Fences" is a deeply personal play for Wilson, who drew on his own experiences growing up in a black family in Pittsburgh. The play has been praised for its authenticity and its insights into the black experience. It has also been praised for its powerful performances, particularly from Washington.

In 1985, "Fences" was a groundbreaking play that helped to change the way that America thought about race and family. The play is still relevant today, and it continues to be performed around the world.

The Impact of "Fences"

"Fences" has had a profound impact on American theater and culture. The play has helped to raise awareness of the black experience, and it has inspired other playwrights to write about the lives of black Americans. "Fences" has also been adapted into a film, a television movie, and an opera.

The play has also had a personal impact on many people. For example, Denzel Washington has said that "Fences" changed his life. He said that the play taught him about the importance of family and the struggle for equality.

The Pain Points of "Fences"

"Fences" is a powerful play, but it also has its share of pain points. The play can be difficult to watch, and it can leave audiences feeling emotionally drained. The play also deals with some very difficult issues, such as race, poverty, and violence.

However, the pain points of "Fences" are also what make the play so powerful. The play forces audiences to confront these difficult issues, and it helps them to understand the challenges that black Americans face.

The Motivations of "Fences"

August Wilson wrote "Fences" to explore the complex and often contradictory nature of the American dream. He was particularly interested in the ways that the dream of success can be both a source of hope and a source of disappointment.

Wilson also wanted to explore the ways that race and class can affect the pursuit of the American dream. He believed that the American dream was not always available to everyone, and he wanted to show how racism and poverty can make it difficult for people to achieve their goals.

New Applications for "Fences"

"Fences" is a play that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and moving play that continues to be relevant today. The play can be used in a variety of settings, such as schools, theaters, and community centers.

"Fences" can be used to teach students about the history of race and racism in America. The play can also be used to teach students about the importance of family and the struggle for equality.

"Fences" can also be used to inspire people to action. The play can help people to understand the challenges that black Americans face, and it can motivate them to work for a better future.

Tables

Table 1: The Tony Awards for "Fences"

Table 2: The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Table 3: The Number of Performances of "Fences"

Table 4: The Adaptations of "Fences"

FAQs

1. What is the main theme of "Fences"?

The main theme of "Fences" is the American dream. The play explores the ways that the dream of success can be both a source of hope and a source of disappointment.

2. Who wrote "Fences"?

"Fences" was written by August Wilson.

3. Who directed the original production of "Fences"?

The original production of "Fences" was directed by Lloyd Richards.

4. Who starred in the lead role of "Fences"?

Denzel Washington starred in the lead role of "Fences."

5. What awards did "Fences" win?

"Fences" won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.

6. How many performances did "Fences" run for?

"Fences" ran for 465 performances on Broadway.

7. What is the significance of "Fences"?

"Fences" is a significant play because it helped to change the way that America thought about race and family. The play is still relevant today, and it continues to be performed around the world.

8. How can "Fences" be used today?

"Fences" can be used in a variety of settings, such as schools, theaters, and community centers. The play can be used to teach students about the history of race and racism in America, the importance of family, and the struggle for equality. "Fences" can also be used to inspire people to action and work for a better future.