A Note From Artistic Director Mark Clements

Of Seven Guitars, August Wilson said: “I happen to think that the content of my mother’s life – her myths, her superstitions, her prayers, the contents of her pantry, the smell of her kitchen, the song that escaped from her sometimes parched lips, her thoughtful repose and pregnant laughter – are all worthy of art. Hence, Seven Guitars.”

Ten plays make up August Wilson’s Century Cycle (or Pittsburgh Cycle). Seven Guitars is the fifth chronologically but seventh to be written; it is also the eighth play from the Cycle to be produced on Milwaukee Rep stages. It is rare for audiences to experience such a breadth of work from one playwright on the same stage, but whether you have seen one of our productions of Wilson’s shows or all eight, the experience of seeing his work cannot be rivaled. His plays are not just plays, they are events. They capture not just a place and time, but the musicality and voice, the culture, and the particular pain and promise of a community. In his work he pays tribute to the Hill District of Pittsburgh, where he grew up, and to the everyday people, struggles, and joys he encountered there.

We are grateful to continue the tradition of bringing August Wilson’s phenomenal Cycle to Milwaukee audiences, and honored to have director Ron OJ Parson at the helm of this piece. An exceptional actor and director, he has worked on every play in the Century Cycle, and we’re grateful to have his expertise bringing Seven Guitars to life for Milwaukee audiences. We’re equally thrilled our work will have extended life as this production is a co-production with our frequent collaborators, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, who we co-produced with on such shows as In the Heights and Two Trains Running. After our run, our production will continue on for Ohio audiences.

Wilson has often been referred to as a contemporary Shakespeare in that his work resonates across decades and localities, finding new relevance and resonance with every passing year and generation. Like Shakespeare, he is a seminal writer, continuing long after his death to inspire and shape the next generation of theatrical storytellers, many of whom are in our own community.

There may be some in the audience tonight who’ve seen every Wilson show we’ve produced, and there may be some for whom this is your first experience of Wilson’s dynamic work. We welcome devout fans and newcomers alike! Thank you for coming to share in Wilson’s stories and the impact he continues to have on artists and audiences.

Cheers,

• A culturally respectful and intellectually stimulating community

• Two restaurants and many opportunities to socialize

• Our 67,000 square foot Town Center to explore.