The Grand Theatre is pleased to bring to the Spriet Stage a contemporary classic, AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES. One of the most honoured plays in American theatre, winning the Pulitzer Prize along with Tony and Drama Desk awards for best new play, AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES will take the Spriet Stage from March 19 to April 6. The Title Sponsor is Tricar.

“August Wilson’s Fences is a play that is grounded in gritty realism, while sailing into lyrical inspiration at the same time,” said Dennis Garnhum, Grand Theatre Artistic Director. “This production leaves me both uplifted and devastated – it is truly brilliant writing.”

Directed by DJANET SEARS and starring NIGEL SHAWN WILLIAMS as Troy, AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES is a play about family. Set in Pittsburgh in the 1950s, this play tells the story of a former Negro League baseball star that now supports his family by working as a trash collector. This modern classic from legendary playwright August Wilson sits at the crossroads of cultural change in America, set during the 50s and 60s Civil Rights Movement.

“Fences by August Wilson is arguably the second most commercially successful African American play,” said Djanet Sears, Director. “This production examines the experiences of a family who is the progeny of Africans abducted to the Americas, and enslaved for 400 years.”

DJANET SEARS is a renowned Canadian director, actor, and playwright of great distinction and her production will debut here at the Grand.

AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc and was originally produced on Broadway by Carole Shorenstein Hays, in association with Yale Repertory Theatre. AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES had its world premiere at Yale Repertory (Lloyd Richards, Artistic Director; Benjamin Mordecai, Managing Director), second production at The Goodman Theatre (Robert Falls, Artistic Director; Roche Schufler, Managing Director), and was initially given a staged reading at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center’s National Playwrights Conference.

Get Up Close with On Stage Seating

We welcome our patrons to get up close with on stage seating. Tickets for on stage seating are $20 and are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.

OPEN CAPTION PERFORMANCE DATES

The Grand Theatre continues its commitment to accessibility initiatives for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing theatre patrons. Open Caption performances have been announced for AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES on the following dates: Friday, April 5 at 8:00 pmand Saturday, April 6 at 2:00 pm.

To book tickets, please email boxoffice@grandtheatre.com or call 519 672 8800

ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE

The Wednesday Speakeasy Series

Following each Wednesday evening performance, patrons are invited to extend their theatre experience and get closer to the artists with exclusive talks, casual conversations, and spontaneous happenings in the relaxed atmosphere of the Poster Lounge.

Wednesday Speakeasy: March 20 & 27 and April 3.

Pre-Show Theatre Talks

Arrive a little early to the Wednesday matinee and join host James Stewart Reaney as he sparks creative conversations about the production.

Pre-Show Theatre Talks with James Stewart Reaney: Wednesday, April 3 at 12pm.

Illustration: Poster for Fences by Scott McKowen.