August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand
Preview: 2/20/2015 | 2m 41s
The first documentary about the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning playwright August Wilson.
The film premieres Friday, February 20 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings) to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Wilson’s birth, the 10th anniversary of his death and Black History Month. Unprecedented access to Wilson’s theatrical archives, rarely seen interviews and new dramatic readings bring to life his seminal 10-play cycle chronicling a century of African-American life.
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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...
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August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand
Preview: 2/20/2015 | 2m 41s
The film premieres Friday, February 20 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings) to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Wilson’s birth, the 10th anniversary of his death and Black History Month. Unprecedented access to Wilson’s theatrical archives, rarely seen interviews and new dramatic readings bring to life his seminal 10-play cycle chronicling a century of African-American life.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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August Wilson and African American Culture
Video has Closed Captions
Ruben Santiago-Hudson describe August Wilson's work for the African American community (20s)
Video has Closed Captions
Ruben Santiago-Hudson shares why Wilson's work is so timeless and universal. (35s)
The Essential Ingredients for an August Wilson Play
Video has Closed Captions
Ruben Santiago-Hudson shares the essential ingredients for any August Wilson play. (35s)
Actor James Earl Jones on August Wilson's Plays
James Earl Jones won a Tony Award in 1987 for his role in August Wilson's "Fences."
August Wilson moved to Seattle in 1990 and lived there for the rest of his life. (1m 57s)
August Wilson on the Dialogue in His Plays
August Wilson describes how dialogue comes to him and guides his character development. (1m 38s)
August Wilson describes his love of language and the racism he experienced at school. (1m 24s)
August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand, Panel Discussion
Director Sam Pollard moderates a panel at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. (33m 31s)
Costume Designs for August Wilson Plays
Constanza Romero shares how she designed costumes for August Wilson's plays. (3m 15s)
Filmmaker Sam Pollard on His August Wilson Documentary
Director Sam Pollard talks about Wilson's relevance, interviewing actors and more. (2m 29s)
Monologue from "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" by August Wilson
"White folks don’t understand about the blues," says Ma Rainey in August Wilson's play. (47s)
Phylicia Rashad Performs "Gem of the Ocean" Aunt Ester Scene
Rashad performs a scene from August Wilson's play "Gem of the Ocean," as Aunt Ester. (2m 23s)
Ruben Santiago-Hudson's Skills for "Seven Guitars" Role
The actor learned how to play harmonica for his Tony Award-winning role in Seven Guitars. (54s)
Scene from "Fences," a Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play
August Wilson's "Fences" won a Pulitzer Prize and four Tony Awards in 1987. (1m 2s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Support for PBS provided by:
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...