Tamalpais High School| February 27 – March 2, 2025, 7:00 PM
San Rafael, CA – Griot Theater proudly presents The 5th Annual Oratorical: August Wilson’s Half a Century—a stirring tribute to Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson. This powerful theatrical event, running from February 27 through March 2 at the Tamalpais High School, celebrates Wilson’s monumental Century Cycle, a ten-play saga that chronicles the African American experience across the 20th century, with each play set in a different decade. The tribute will showcase a compelling collection of monologues from the final five plays of the cycle, illuminating Wilson’s profound influence on American theater and the Black experience.
The production features scenes and monologues from Wilson’s iconic works—Jitney, King Hedley II, Fences, Two Trains Running, and Radio Golf—providing a poignant exploration of legacy, resilience, and the enduring power of community. These masterpieces capture the complexities of African American life, touching on themes of family, identity, ambition, and the unyielding pursuit of dignity.
“August Wilson’s work is a cornerstone of American drama, and this production is a heartfelt tribute to his legacy,” says Executive Director Leshawn Holcolb. “Through these monologues, we journey through time, experiencing the emotional depth and cultural richness of Wilson’s characters.”
Wilson’s Century Cycle is a groundbreaking achievement in American theater, capturing the evolving African American experience in vivid detail. From the intimate moments of family life to the broader social struggles, Wilson’s plays offer a timeless reflection of the human spirit. August Wilson’s Half a Century celebrates this enduring legacy, showcasing the playwright’s unmatched ability to illuminate universal truths about the complexities of race, class, and identity.Performances will be brought to life by Andre K. Jefferson, Kyandre Calloway, and other talented actors. Together, they will honor Wilson’s impactful storytelling with powerful and moving performances that resonate with today’s audience.
Tamalpais High School in Marin County, provides the perfect setting for this educational and deeply moving performance. Audiences can expect an evening of powerful storytelling, soul-stirring performances, and a tribute to one of the greatest playwrights of our time.
Performance Dates & Tickets:
Venue: Tamalpais High School, 700 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Dates: February 27 – March 2, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Tickets: Griottheatercompany.org/events/
Join The Griot Theater Company in Marin County for this extraordinary celebration of August Wilson’s Half a Century, as we honor the life and legacy of one of the greatest playwrights in American theater history, and continue to amplify the voices of the African American community.
For press inquiries, interviews, or more information, contact Andre K. Jefferson at pathways@griottheatercompany.org.
About Griot Theater
Griot Theater Company is dedicated to creating equitable outcomes for Black and Brown youth through intergenerational theater-making, entrepreneurial leadership, and education. The company amplifies Black voices in the performing arts, bringing powerful stories to the stage that educate, inspire, and challenge audiences. Through its work, Griot Theater aims to build a platform for change and ignite conversations that move us toward a more just and inclusive world.