UF to host symposium centered on playwright August Wilson

August 24, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In concurrence with the University of Florida production of August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean,” the School of Theatre and Dance will host a free symposium Sept. 17-18 on Wilson’s work.

It’s titled “An Incessant Journey: Investigating Spirituality in August Wilson’s 20th Century Play Cycle.” The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the opening performance of the play and continues throughout Sept. 18 at the Constans Theatre, next to the Reitz Student Union.

The discussion will explore Wilson’s use of spirituality or magic, supernatural aspects, prophecies, music, visions, faith and character beliefs that are not confined by traditional world conventions. The symposium, coordinated by UF associate professor Mikell Pinkney, will feature four authoritative voices on Wilson’s work from the academic, performance and production areas.

Actor Ebony Jo-Ann, Wilson scholar Sandra Shannon and theater producer Woodie King Jr. will arrive in Gainesville for the Sept. 17 opening night performance of “Gem of the Ocean.” A small reception will follow the performance. Lou Bellamy, longtime friend of Wilson’s and artistic director of Penumbra Theatre of St. Paul, Minn., will join the symposium via video on Sept. 18.

Wilson’s play cycle, which The New York Times called “one of the most ambitious dramatic projects ever undertaken,” presents a rare inside view of African-American culture during the 20th century in different developmental eras.

Using the first play of the cycle, “Gem of the Ocean,” as a springboard for discovery and discussion, the symposium will focus on the spiritual journeys and links that run through the themes and characters in all 10 plays, from Aunt Ester Tyler in the first play to Harmond Wilkes in the last play, “Radio Golf.” The intent is to utilize the papers, panels and discussions presented during the symposium for a future edited publication. A wider goal is to shine light on the powerful elements of spirituality that run through all of black dramatic literature.

The symposium is expected to be accessible through the Internet links, thanks to the efforts of the UF Digital Worlds Institute. Registration and detailed information for the symposium is available at:
http://wilsonsymposium.pandpprojects.net.

“Gem of the Ocean,” directed by Pinkney, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17-18 and 21-24. Matinees are at 2 p.m. Sept. 19 and 26. Tickets for UF students, faculty and staff and senior citizens are $13. General public tickets are $17. They are available at the University Box Office, 352-392-1653 or www.ticketmaster.com.