Playwright August Wilson mixed the mystical with the material of everyday life. His Century Cycle chronicled Black life, struggle and survival, in 20th-century Pittsburgh.
“King Hedley II” (1999) follows the determination and despair of King Hedley, a formerly incarcerated man fighting to regain control of his life. Set in 1985, as the crack cocaine epidemic took shape across the country. The protagonist dreams of opening a video store, but to get there first settles on selling stolen refrigerators.
Oakland, once called the “City of Dope,” is a fitting place to stage King Hedley. And the Lower Bottom Playaz, Oakland’s oldest Black theater company, have the depth to bring Wilson’s story world to life.
The company’s founding artistic director, Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, directs the production in the company’s 26th season, themed “Choices.”
“King Hedley is an echo that reminds us of where we have been in our quest for even ground,” Nzinga said. This staging marks her second time completing Wilson’s Century Cycle—ten plays told decade by decade from the Rust Belt. “In the rocky soil of this American sojourn, we have planted dreams and hoped for harvest.”
King Hedley opened Nov. 14 and runs through November, with performances on Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. All shows take place at BAM House, 1540 Broadway in Oakland. Tickets available.
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