Seven Guitars is a play by August Wilson set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1948, centered around the life and struggles of the African American community. The narrative begins shortly after the funeral of Floyd Barton, a musician who dreams of success but faces numerous challenges that ultimately lead to his tragic fate. Through a mix of present-day scenes and flashbacks, the play reveals Floyd’s relationships, particularly with Vera, his partner, and Hedley, a mystic grappling with illness. The characters engage in meaningful conversations that reflect their realities, touching on themes of community, aspiration, and the impact of systemic oppression.
Seven Guitars is a part of Wilson’s ten-play cycle that captures the African American experience throughout the twentieth century. The work resonates themes of identity, loss and the complexities of dreams, making it a significant piece in American theater.
AUGUST WILSON (1945–2005) was a Pulitzer Prize–winning American playwright known for his powerful portrayals of Black life in the 20th century. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he drew deeply from the experiences of the Hill District, where he grew up.
Wilson is best known for his “Pittsburgh Cycle” (or American Century Cycle), a series of ten plays—each set in a different decade—that explore the African American experience, including works like Fences and The Piano Lesson. His writing blends rich, poetic language with themes of identity, race, history, and resilience.
Over his career, Wilson received numerous honors, including two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama, and is widely regarded as one of the most important American playwrights of the 20th century.
ABOUT THE DUNBAR REPERTORY COMPANY
Known to residents of Central New Jersey as “Monmouth County’s African American Theater Company”, Dunbar Repertory Company is committed to its mission of perpetuating an appreciation of cultural diversity and celebrating African American culture through LIVE literary readings, main stage theatrical productions, education programs and services.
