August Wilson’s play Fences was first presented in 1983, and went on to win a Pulitzer Prize. Set in the 1950s “Hill District” section of Pittsburgh, the play tells the story of sanitation worker Troy Maxson (David Alan Anderson), a former Negro league all-star baseball player whose opportunity to play in the Major Leagues was thwarted by racism. Troy’s son from his first marriage, Lyons (James T. Alfred), is a musician who has big hopes and dreams, and his second son Cory (Edgar Sanchez) by wife Rose (Kim Staunton) wants to go out for the football team. However, Troy’s past keeps getting in the way of his family’s future. Is the fence Troy slowly builds around his home to keep pain and fear out, or does it hold it in?
Tory’s brother Gabriel (Terry Ballamy), psychologically damaged during the war, believes he’s the angel Gabriel, and weaves in and out of the story, ending up committed to an institution. Jim Bono (Marcus Naylor), Troy’s best friend and fellow sanitation worker, cuts him from his life after he finds out Troy has had an affair and a child with his mistress. The child, Raynell (Elise Keliah Benson), is raised by Rose as her own after her mother dies. At the end, Troy’s death brings the characters together again to find peace.
A stunning, vibrant cast sharply directed by Lou Bellamy brings this production to life on the IRT Mainstage. The Maxon family front yard — the place where the “fences” are built throughout the play — was designed by Vicki Smith and provides a looming backdrop for the powerful play.
This is a must-see production in the IRT’s 2015-16 season, which has only two more shows to go (Bridge & Tunnel and The Mousetrap). Fences runs through April 3; visit www.irtlive.com for ticket availability and prices.
