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August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand

The first documentary about the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning playwright August Wilson.

August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand American Masters

Premiered February 20, 2015
August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand: asset-mezzanine-16x9
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August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand

Unprecedented access to Wilson’s theatrical archives, rarely seen interviews and new dramatic readings bring to life his seminal 10-play cycle chronicling a century of African-American life. Wilson won two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama.

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Episode Extras

Ruben Santiago-Hudson describe August Wilson's work for the African American community
Watch (00:20)
Clip

August Wilson and African American Culture

Ruben Santiago-Hudson shares why Wilson's work is so timeless and universal.
Watch (00:35)
Clip

August Wilson's Timeless Work

Ruben Santiago-Hudson shares the essential ingredients for any August Wilson play.
Watch (00:35)
Clip

The Essential Ingredients for an August Wilson Play

August Wilson describes how dialogue comes to him and guides his character development.
Watch (01:38)
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August Wilson on the Dialogue in His Plays

Constanza Romero shares how she designed costumes for August Wilson's plays.
Watch (03:15)
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Costume Designs for August Wilson Plays

Director Sam Pollard talks about Wilson's relevance, interviewing actors and more.
Watch (02:29)
Clip

Filmmaker Sam Pollard on His August Wilson Documentary

"White folks don’t understand about the blues," says Ma Rainey in August Wilson's play.
Watch (00:47)
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Monologue from "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" by August Wilson

August Wilson's "Fences" won a Pulitzer Prize and four Tony Awards in 1987.
Watch (01:02)
Clip

Scene from "Fences," a Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play

James Earl Jones won a Tony Award in 1987 for his role in August Wilson's "Fences."
Clip

Actor James Earl Jones on August Wilson's Plays

August Wilson moved to Seattle in 1990 and lived there for the rest of his life.
Watch (01:57)
Clip

August Wilson in Seattle

August Wilson describes his love of language and the racism he experienced at school.
Watch (01:24)
Clip

August Wilson's Youth

The first documentary about the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning playwright August Wilson.
Watch (02:41)
Preview

August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand

Director Sam Pollard moderates a panel at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Watch (33:31)
Clip

August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand, Panel Discussion

Rashad performs a scene from August Wilson's play "Gem of the Ocean," as Aunt Ester.
Watch (02:23)
Clip

Phylicia Rashad Performs "Gem of the Ocean" Aunt Ester Scene

The actor learned how to play harmonica for his Tony Award-winning role in Seven Guitars.
Watch (00:54)
Clip

Ruben Santiago-Hudson's Skills for "Seven Guitars" Role

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About the Program

American Masters

American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.

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