1. ABOUT THE PLAY
Troy Maxson builds fences to keep his family safe, unaware of how often they become walls.
Set in the 1950s, Fences follows the Maxson family as they pursue their American Dream. Along the way they navigate love, responsibility, generational conflict, and the impact of the systemic barriers that limited opportunities for Black Americans. As each family member pushes toward a different future, Troy’s deeply held beliefs about work, sacrifice, and survival are put to the test.
August Wilson’s landmark play earned the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and four Tony Awards, including Best Play, a testament to its enduring emotional power and its ability to speak across generations.
David Rainey and Michelle Elane.
THE PULITZER PRIZE
The play Fences has received many accolades, including the 1987 Pulitzer Prize.
This is one of the most prestigious awards in the United States. It’s given every year to recognize outstanding achievements in journalism, literature, and music. Winning a Pulitzer means the work is considered one of the best in its field—whether that’s a powerful news story, an incredible novel, or an amazing play.
2. MEET THE AUTHOR
August Wilson, PBS
He was born and raised in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - a neighborhood that became the inspiration for many of his plays. Although Wilson did not finish high school in the traditional way, he educated himself by reading constantly at the Carnegie Library. Years later, the library honored him by awarding him a high school diploma.
Former Carnegie Library, Hill District Branch
August Wilson (April 27, 1945 – October 2, 2005) is one of the most important American playwrights of the 20th century. He is best known for writing The American Century Cycle, a series of ten plays that tell the story of African American life in the United States: one play for each decade of the 1900s. These plays include Fences, The Piano Lesson, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Gem of the Ocean, Seven Guitars, Two Trains Running, Jitney, King Hedley II, and Radio Golf.
Wilson’s plays explore family, dreams, work, racism, music, and the everyday struggles and triumphs of Black communities. His stories are filled with powerful characters and rich language inspired by blues music, history, and the voices of people he grew up around.
August Wilson House, Wikipedia Photo
August Wilson’s work received many awards and honors. He won two Pulitzer Prizes for Fences (1987) and The Piano Lesson (1990), and Fences also won a Tony Award on Broadway. His plays have been performed all over the United States and around the world.
Today, August Wilson is remembered as a writer who helped bring the stories, history, and voices of African Americans to the stage in a powerful and lasting way. In honor of his legacy, a Broadway theatre in New York City was renamed The August Wilson Theatre in 2005.
The façade of the August Wilson Theatre, Oct. 14, 2006 / Burnley (public domain)
3. WHEN AND WHERE
TIME: 1957
Fences takes place in 1957 in Pittsburgh’s Hill District: a historically Black neighborhood where August Wilson grew up. At the time, many African Americans faced racism and limited job opportunities, often working labor jobs such as sanitation, factory, or construction work.
Wylie Avenue (University of Pittsburgh)
SETTING: PITTSBURGH, PA
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a historic industrial city once known for its steel mills and working-class neighborhoods. One of its most important communities is the Hill District. The Hill District was once called the crossroads of the world for Black culture in the mid-20th century and was known for its jazz clubs, churches, restaurants – and the neighborhood shaped many artists like August Wilson.
Many of Wilson’s plays, including Fences, are set in this neighborhood and reflect the everyday lives, struggles, and dreams of the people who lived there.
“Shoe Shine.” Wylie Avenue looking west, April 29, 1930. (Pittsburgh City Photographer Collection via University of Pittsburgh Collection)
4. GOOD TO KNOW
Fences includes some strong and culturally specific language. August Wilson wrote the play to show what everyday life was like for many Black families in 1957. The way the characters speak reflects the culture, humor, and challenges of the community where Wilson grew up. Wilson believed that the voices, humor, struggles, and conversations of Black communities deserved to be shown truthfully on stage, without being softened or changed. While some of the words may feel uncomfortable, it is used to tell an authentic story about family, identity, and life in America during that time.
August Wilson with actress, Theresa Merritt at Alley Theatre, Houston, Texas. 1994 ( August Wilson Archive, University of Pittsburgh Library )
5. WHO'S WHO
Read the descriptions below and click on each photo for the actor’s bio.
David Rainey
Troy Maxson
Troy Maxson
Troy is the head of the Maxson household. He is a hardworking man who takes pride in providing for his family. Shaped by a lifetime of missed opportunities, Troy believes survival matters more than dreams. He loves his family but struggles to show it in supportive ways. His need for control often creates distance between himself and those he wants to protect.
Key Traits:
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Proud
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Stubborn
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Charismatic
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Guarded
“I done learned my lessons. I don’t need no second chances.”
Michelle Elaine
Rose Maxson
Rose Maxson
Rose is Troy’s wife and the emotional center of the family. She is loving, patient, and deeply committed to keeping her family together. Rose believes in hope, forgiveness, and building a better future for her children.
Key Traits:
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Loyal
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Strong
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Nurturing
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Resilient
“You take and don’t give.”
Aramie Payton
Cory Maxson
Cory Maxson
Cory is Troy and Rose’s teenage son. He is determined, hopeful, and eager to create a future different from his father’s. Cory dreams of playing football and believes opportunity should be pursued, not feared. His conflict with Troy reflects a larger struggle between generations.
Key Traits:
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Ambitious
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Hopeful
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Defiant
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Sensitive
“I don’t want to be like you.”
Kendrick "Kayb" Brown
Lyons Maxson
Lyons Maxson
Lyons is Troy’s older son from a previous relationship. He is a musician who values creativity and self-expression. Lyons chooses passion over security, which puts him at odds with his father. He remains respectful toward Troy but refuses to give up his dream.
Key Traits:
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Creative
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Optimistic
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Independent
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Idealistic
“I got to live my life the way I believe in.”
Timothy Eric
Gabriel Maxson
Gabriel Maxson
Gabriel is Troy’s brother and a World War II veteran who suffered a brain injury. He believes he is the angel Gabriel, sent to open the gates of heaven. Gabriel brings moments of joy, innocence, and spiritual symbolism to the play. His presence reminds the audience of the cost of war and the fragility of dignity.
Key Traits:
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Innocent
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Spiritual
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Joyful
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Vulnerable
“I’m gonna tell St. Peter to open them gates.”
Alex Morris
Jim Bono
Jim Bono
Bono is Troy’s longtime friend and coworker. He is loyal, observant, and often serves as the voice of reason. Bono understands Troy’s flaws but tries to guide him toward better choices. He values honesty and respect, especially within family relationships.
Key Traits:
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Loyal
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Thoughtful
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Honest
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Grounded
“Some people build fences to keep people out… and others build fences to keep people in.”
Mila Glenn
Raynell Maxson
Raynell Maxson
Raynell represents new beginnings and hope for the future. Raynell’s innocence and love for music help reconnect the family.
Key Traits:
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Innocent
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Hopeful
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Gentle
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Symbolic
“This here’s my daddy’s garden.”
Paisley Rayne Richmond
Raynell Maxson
6. YOUR PART IN THE PLAY
The show can't happen without an audience. Watch the video for some great advice on playing your part.
BONUS ACTIVITY
AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
After watching the video, improvise scenes where you encounter the best and worst audience members. If you create something fun and want to share it, tag us at @alleytheatre on Instagram or Facebook for a chance to be featured on our social platforms.
7. POST-SHOW TALKBACK
If you and your students plan to participate in the post-show talkback, encourage them to ask questions!
