Broadway play "Two Trains Running" kicks off Black History Month
News Article: August Wilson's "Two Trains Running" Performed at Prior Performing Arts Center
The Prior Performing Arts Center recently hosted the New York-based Acting Company, who performed their adaptation of August Wilson's "Two Trains Running." The play, set in a Pittsburgh café during the 1960s, offers a poignant exploration of African American life and struggles during the Civil Rights Movement era.
Themes in Two Trains Running
The play delves into themes of Civil Rights and Social Change, examining the impact of urban renewal and economic shifts on black communities. Characters grapple with systemic racism and their own aspirations within a segregated society, navigating between hope for progress and the harsh realities of inequality.
Legacy and Memory are also significant themes in the play, with the character Aunt Ester, a recurring figure in Wilson's ten-play cycle, representing African American history and spirit.
Characters in Two Trains Running
The play features a diverse cast of characters interacting in the café, each representing different perspectives and responses to the socio-political climate of the 1960s. Notable among them is "Hambone," an oracular figure who, despite his mental impairment, provides symbolic insights. Other characters include workers, business owners, and everyday people navigating the pressures of racial and economic change.
Significance of Two Trains Running
"Two Trains Running" is part of Wilson’s larger Pittsburgh Cycle, a series of ten plays each set in a different decade of the 20th century chronicling African American experiences. The play captures the Civil Rights Movement period, reflecting both the hopes inspired by the movement and the persistent challenges faced by the black community.
Wilson’s work, including "Two Trains Running," has been celebrated for providing a nuanced, poetic portrayal of Black America, contributing to American theater by giving voice and depth to African American stories often marginalized in mainstream culture.
Upcoming Events at the College
In a bid to encourage students to explore other cultures and identities, the College is urging students to attend upcoming events commemorating Black History Month.
The College's Support for Local Artists
The College's "Scholarship in Action" funds and supports local artists seeking to spotlight marginalized stories, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
The Class of 2027 Arrives
The Class of 2027 has officially arrived on the Hill. On August 26, first-year students were greeted with robust and excited cheers from orientation leaders and alumni. Carly Costaregni '27 expressed appreciation for the support she received on move-in day, while Kate Santini '27, as News Editor, looks forward to covering the events and stories of the new academic year.
Mfoniso Udofia's Sojourners
In another theatrical event, Mfoniso Udofia's "Sojourners" was performed at the Prior Performing Arts Center on November 19th by the Huntington Theatre. The play captures the immigrant experience in 1970s America, much like how "Two Trains Running" captures the African American experience during the Civil Rights Movement.
Music in Two Trains Running
The play features iconic hits including "What a Difference a Day Makes" by Dinah Washington, "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, and "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke, underscoring the era's struggles and hopes.
In conclusion, "Two Trains Running" uses the microcosm of a 1960s café to explore broad Civil Rights themes, with richly drawn characters embodying the era’s struggles over identity, justice, and survival. Its place in Wilson’s cycle connects it to a larger narrative of Black American history and cultural memory.
- Alumni gathered on August 26 to welcome the Class of 2027, cheering with enthusiasm as they moved into the college.
- To encourage students to delve into diverse cultures and identities, the college has planned a series of events commemorating Black History Month.
- The College's "Scholarship in Action" fund supports local artists who aim to highlight marginalized stories, aligning with the college's commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
- Mfoniso Udofia's "Sojourners," performed on November 19th at the Prior Performing Arts Center, parallels August Wilson's "Two Trains Running" by depicting the immigrant experience in 1970s America.
- August Wilson's "Two Trains Running" features a diverse cast of characters, each experiencing the socio-political climate of the 1960s differently, and the play's soundtrack includes iconic hits like "What a Difference a Day Makes" and "Respect," reflecting the era's struggles and aspirations.
