How I Learned What I Learned

A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

How I Learned What I Learned

Full-Length Play, Dramatic Comedy  /  1m

August Wilson, Todd Kreidler

Through stories about his first jobs, first loves and experiences with racism, August Wilson recounts his life from his roots to the completion of The American Century Cycle, providing an inside look into one of the most celebrated voices of the 20th century.

Image: 2015 Pittsburgh Public Theater Production (Michael Henninger)

How I Learned What I Learned

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1m
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Biography
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

From Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson comes this one-man show chronicling his life as a Black artist in the Hill District in Pittsburgh. Through stories about his first jobs, first loves and experiences with racism, August Wilson recounts his life from his roots to the completion of The American Century Cycle, providing an inside look into one of the most celebrated voices of the 20th century.

History
How I Learned What I Learned premiered off-Broadway at the Signature Theatre on 24 November 2013. Directed by Todd Kriedler, the production starred Ruben Santiago-Hudson as August Wilson.
Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups
ACTOR – Portraying August Wilson.
  • Time Period 1990s
  • Setting

    The Crucible in which many a work of art has been fired.

  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Strong Language

Media

“Complex and surprisingly funny... a crowd-pleasing 100 minutes in the company of a wonderful writer.” – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“A clear portrait of the striving young writer.” – The New York Times, Read More 

“Wilson’s pride, humor, eloquence, anger, storytelling gifts, and general eagerness to soak up experience: It’s all there.” – The Boston Globe, Read More 

“Complex and surprisingly funny... a crowd-pleasing 100 minutes in the company of a wonderful writer.” – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Read More 

“Don’t be surprised if you find yourself stunned into silence as well. Wilson’s words have a way of doing that.” – Entertainment Weekly, Read More

ON BREAKING CHARACTER

Scene Study and Classroom Reading: Plays for Colleges and Universities
by Becca Schlossberg
August 23, 2019


Videos

  • Scene from Huntington Theatre's How I Learned What i Learned youtube thumbnail

    Scene from Huntington Theatre's How I Learned What i Learned

  • Ruben Santiago-Hudson on How I Learned What I Learned youtube thumbnail

    Ruben Santiago-Hudson on How I Learned What I Learned

  • Audiences react to How I Learned What I Learned youtube thumbnail

    Audiences react to How I Learned What I Learned

Photos

  • How I Learned What I Learned

    Image: 2015 Pittsburgh Public Theater Production (Michael Henninger)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

    Please submit a license request to determine availability.

Scripts

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Authors

August Wilson

August Wilson

August Wilson (April 27, 1945 - October 2, 2005) authored Gem of the Ocean, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Fences, Two Trains Running, Jitney, King Hedley II and Radio Golf. These works explore the heritage and experienc ...

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