For Immediate Release: February 14, 2005
Media Contact: Jayme Powers, Arden Theatre Company, 215.922.8900 x22

Arden Theatre Company tackles the world of August Wilson with the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play Fences. Fences begins previews on Thursday, March 3; opens Tuesday, March 8; and runs through Sunday, April 3. Fences is a compelling drama that explores the complicated relationships that hold families together through the perseverance of love and hope. Terrence J. Nolen, Arden's Producing Artistic Director, rates August Wilson as "arguably our greatest living American playwright. I thought about doing Fences during a performance of All My Sons. It seemed to me that there was a palpable – almost hunger – for this story of an American family. I felt the same thing watching our audiences during last season's production of Proof. For it is in family that we find our identity and our strength. And so we take you to another backyard, to another extraordinary American family." A first-time collaboration with Actors Theatre of Louisville, this production of Fences will move on lock, stock, set, actors and barrel for the April 19 - May 15 run in Louisville.

"There is no bottom to this man's gift," says director Timothy Douglas of the talent of playwright August Wilson. "His world is vivid in its directness and astounding in its simplicity... allowing insight into a world of unbearable atrocities and untold wonders all mixed in together – the sacred and the profane. Wilson provides an articulate voice for the previously (seemingly) inarticulate – which makes for a quintessential theatrical experience. It is with great zeal and appreciation that I get to introduce Arden audiences to the staggering brilliance of August Wilson." Douglas has previously directed at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, American Conservatory Theatre, Folger Shakespeare Theatre, and Pittsburgh Public Theatre, among others. Renown for his August Wilson interpretations, Douglas was recently handpicked by August Wilson to direct the world premiere of Radio Golf, the final installment of Wilson's ten-play twentieth century cycle. Radio Golf premieres at Yale Repertory Theatre April 22 - May 14.

August Wilson's work often pushes social and language barriers, dealing with issues of race, identity, and family with a winning combination of grace and grit. Wilson is the author of Jitney, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Fences, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, The Piano Lesson, Two Trains Running, Seven Guitars, King Hedley II and Gem of the Ocean. These works explore the heritage and experience of African-Americans, decade-by-decade, over the course of the twentieth century. His plays have been produced at regional theaters across the country and all over the world, as well as on Broadway. Wilson's work has garnered many awards including Pulitzer Prizes for Fences (1987) and for The Piano Lesson (1990); a Tony Award for Fences; Great Britain's Olivier Award for Jitney; as well as seven New York Drama Critics Circle Awards.

Fences begins previews on Thursday March 3; opens Tuesday, March 8; and runs through Sunday, April 3. Ticket prices ranges from $24 to $40 and may be purchased by calling the Arden Box Office at (215) 922-1122, online at www.ardentheatre.org, or by visiting the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia. The Arden will host College Nights on Thursday, March 3 and Thursday, March 10. College Nights feature $10 tickets for college students with valid student ID. Post-show discussions are scheduled on Wednesday, March 16; Thursday, March 17; Sunday, March 20; and Sunday March 27. Discounted group rates are available through the Box Office.

The Arden is accessible to people with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility, assisted listening devices and large print programs at every performance. Accessible seating is available by reservation. For more information call the Arden Box Office at (215) 922-1122.

WHERE:
Arden Theatre Company
40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia

WHEN:
March 3 - April 3, 2005

REVIEWING PRESS: Will receive invitations to the opening night performance on Tuesday, March 8, at 7 p.m.

Other members of the press: Are invited to see the show during the first week of the run (March 9 - March 16) by scheduling tickets through Jayme Powers, director of marketing and public relations, at 215.922.8900 x22 or via email.

WHO:
Written by August Wilson
Directed by Timothy Douglas
Scenic Designer - Tony Cisek
Costume Designer - Lorraine Venberg
Lighting Designer - John Stephen Hoey
Sound Design - James Sugg
Fight Choreographer - J. Alex Cordaro

Cast:
Troy Maxson - Ernest Perry, Jr.
Rose - Stephanie Berry
Gabe - Ray Anthony Thomas
Cory - Bowman Wright
Lyons - Brian Anthony Wilson
Raynell - Lauryn Simoné Jones
Jim Bono - José Ramón Rosario

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