Celebration of August Wilson’s birthday includes preserving childhood home
The first place where Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson was inspired is coming back to life.
The house in the Hill District where Wilson grew up will have him remembered and honored inside the space, which is in the process of being restored.
It will be a home to inspire other artists.
The house project is led by The Daisy Wilson Artist Community, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to the revitalization of the August Wilson House, and named for Wilson’s mother. The dwelling, at 1727 Bedford Ave., will be transformed into an arts center and offer programming, workshops and panel discussions. It will include some artifacts from Wilson’s life.
There are plans to produce one of Wilson’s plays in the back yard of the home in late summer/early fall, as well as recognize the former grocery store in the house, said Denise Turner, chief executive and board president of August Wilson House.
“Others may honor August Wilson, but we are doing it in his childhood home,” Turner said. “There will be robust programming as well as fellowships and residencies for artists.”
An announcement in April will set a date to unveil the home. People can be a part of the restoration by purchasing a brick, which will become part of the abode.
Sample bricks will be available at the annual August Wilson Celebration Block Party, presented by Dollar Bank, on April 30. As part of the Legacy Brick Campaign, bricks can be purchased starting at $100 and personalized with a loved one’s name or a message.
Turner said the opportunity to purchase a brick isn’t just about sand, lime and concrete. “This is a part of history. This is hallowed space. August Wilson was born in this space in the Hill District. He was inspired there.” Much of Wilson’s work is set in the Hill District.
The first Block Party was held in 2015. The free event takes place around Wilson’s birthday, which is April 27.
Wilson would have turned 77 this year.
The block party is one of several events over the course of the next year to celebrate Wilson’s legacy. The highlight will be the unveiling of his refurbished childhood home.
More details on additional programs and events will be announced in April.
Sponsorships are still available.
The beating heart of 1727 Bedford Avenue is that of August Wilson. As we complete the house’s restoration, we’re tapping n2 these roots – & how #AugustWilson’s plays tell the entire American story. Follow us 2 stay up 2 date on our work. #HillDistrict #TheArts #MLK #WednesdayWin pic.twitter.com/KZTIRVTmXl
— August Wilson House (@AugustWilsonHSE) January 20, 2022
Demeatria Boccella of Squirrel Hill got involved as director of programs with August Wilson House through her work as producer of the Pittsburgh Regional August Wilson Monologue Competition.
She said the opportunity to share Wilson’s work and celebrate his legacy with young people has been rewarding.
“There are so many people from around the world who celebrate August Wilson,” Boccella said. “This space is going to be extraordinary on so many levels. People will travel from all over the world to see it.”
Boccella said it was important for Wilson to have a space to nurture the next generation of artists, writers, actors and young people from all of the arts genres.
Dollar Bank is proud to support the opening of this house, said Morton Stanfield Jr., Dollar Bank senior vice president of community development.
“This is a great achievement, and we commend the Daisy Wilson Artist Community on their vision and execution in bringing this project to fruition,” Stanfield said.
Actor Russell Hornsby, who played Lyons in Denzel Washington’s 2016 film adaptation of Wilson’s “Fences,” will be in videos about the Legacy Brick Campaign that will roll out online this spring.
“I love August Wilson,” Washington said in a statement. “He touches my soul, our souls in a way that no one that I’ve ever read has.”
The April 30 block party will feature more than 125 vendors, food trucks and performances.
Hours are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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