Preview Post-Performance Discussions
Each preview performance is followed by a discussion about the production. Led by members of the Court Theatre artistic staff, audience members are invited to engage in a dialogue with artists involved with the production.

January 26, 27, 28 & January 5
Fences Symposia (see below)
Court Theatre is proud to present three days of special discussions and talkbacks featuring the sharpest minds in sociology, African-American studies, and theatre. See below for more information.


Wednesday, February 2
David Bevington Series
University of Chicago Professor of English, noted Shakespeare scholar and Court Theatre Trustee David Bevington leads a discussion following a performance during the regular run of each production.

Court Theatre is pleased to present five free discussions bringing new perspectives to the play and the legacy of August Wilson.

• MEET THE ACTORS
  • Thursday, January 26—Post-show, 10:30 pm
  • A first-hand behind-the-scenes look into Court Theatre's production of Fences at this conversation with the cast of the play, moderated by Danielle Allen, Dean of the Humanities Division at the University of Chicago.
• FATHERS AND SONS, HUSBANDS AND WIVES
  • Friday, January 27—Post-show, 11:00 pm
  • An in-depth panel discussion on the intergenerational and family issues found in August Wilson's Fences, moderated by Dr. Waldo E. Johnson, Jr., Associate Professor at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and Director of the University's Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture.
• THE LEGACY OF AUGUST WILSON
  • Saturday, January 28—Between shows, 5:30 pm
  • A lively discussion on August Wilson's contribution to American dramatic literature. Fences director Ron OJ Parson will be joined by Derrick Sanders and Jonathan Wilson, two other leading Chicago directors of Wilson's work, and Dr. Sandra Richards, Professor of African American Studies, Theater, and Performance Studies at Northwestern University. Moderated by Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell.
• PROF DAVID BEVINGTON ON FENCES
  • Thursday, February 2—Post-show, 10:30 pm
  • University of Chicago Professor of English, noted Shakespeare scholar and Court Theatre Trustee David Bevington leads a discussion on Fences and its place in the history of theater as a modern classic.
• STORIES FROM THE NEGRO LEAGUES
  • Sunday, February 5—Between shows, 5:30 pm
  • A conversation on the Negro Leagues which produced some of baseball's most enduring legends, and countless unsung talents like Troy Maxon, the tragic hero in August Wilson's Fences. Meet former Negro League baseball players including Johnny Washington, Charlie Johnson and Hank Presswood, and hear the real stories that inspired Wilson's character.

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