Troy Maxson’s yard is his refuge. A sanctuary where, at long last, the grass is finally green. But it can always be greener, right? Troy’s story is both unique and universal — a portrait of the unsteady bridge between fathers and sons, and the wives and mothers who stand cheering for both sides while hanging their own dreams out to dry. A story strong enough to bear the weight of injustice and yearning and love, at its best and its most destructive. And it’s bigger — it’s more — than all of that. Yet it fits snug on our Hill stage, the perfect platform for a could‑have‑been‑great man. A lyrical, heartbreaking love song sung in August Wilson’s unparalleled poetry, about people whose hearts beat vast and deep.
Runs August 2 – September 28. Opening night: August 10. 

FEATURING Karen Aldridge, David Alan Anderson, Bryant Louis Bentley, Yao Dogbe, Jamal James, Gavin Lawrence

Synopsis

Troy Maxson is a man with a loving family, and soul full of bittersweet hope. He spends his days working as a garbage collector, Friday afternoons drinking with his friend Bono, and his nights in the arms of Rose, his loving wife of many years. Before Rose, Troy spent time in prison, where he developed a love for baseball, and he believes he could have been a professional if not for the color of his skin. As Troy ruminates on his past and his present, it begins to seem that his regrets may outweigh his happiness, even as his fortunes turn toward the better. A heart-wrenching look at a complex and flawed man, filled with exquisitely drawn characters and August Wilson’s stunning poetry.  

U.S. Bank is a generous sponsor of APT's production of August Wilson’s Fences

Stellar performances in APT's 'Fences' capture the anxiety of a changing world
By Robert Chappell, Madison365.com

Wilson's flawed hero keeps swinging in APT's 'Fences'
By Lindsay Christians, August 12, 2019.

August Wilson's 'Fences' is a major APT achievement
By William Wineke, Channel3000.com, August 21, 2019.

Keeping the world in
By Alexis Bugajski, Picture This Post, August 21, 2019. 

Director's Note

I often get asked what my favorite August Wilson play to direct
is. In the more than 30 productions of his work I have tackled,
Fences is usually up in the running.

The story rings so true for so many people, especially in the
father and son relationship that is a focus of the play. I try to
find the love and passion in all the plays I direct, especially
with August, and Fences is one that I truly enjoy finding and
exploring each time I direct it.

Fences is APT’s first production of an August Wilson play. From
discussions with Brenda DeVita, I know that she has wanted
to do his work for a long time but has been waiting for the
right time and the right group of artists. There is no doubt that
August Wilson’s plays fit squarely into APT’s mission of classical
theater. But beyond that, it is significant that this classic offers
the perspective of a family of color, something that has been
missing from APT’s classical canon until now. I applaud and
support the work that APT has done to at last bring Fences to
APT’s Hill Theatre stage. It’s time.

Being outdoors will be an experience that really will enhance
the play, considering it all takes place outside. I’ve never
directed this play outdoors and I look forward to it. Being
“On the Hill” is an experience like no other, I am told. I hope it is
a magical experience for you as well. I am so looking forward to
this journey.

I dedicate this production to my Dad, Alexander Parson Jr.
— Ron OJ Parson