Authoring an Epic

Using chance or simply your own imagination, plan out an epic, generations-encompassing oeuvre of your own, inspired by some or all of the elements of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle. 

This activity is written for learners of all ages; as desired, adapt it for the needs of a classroom or group setting.

Authoring an Epic

Activity Preparation

• Supplies
  • Writing supplies (physical or digital) 
  • Dice (digital or analog) (optional)

This activity will take approximately 30+ minutes.

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Learning Sequence

1. Consider some of the elements that make up August Wilson’s American Century Cycle. Consider each: Which are hyper-specific or hyper-local? What is based in fact? What is based in imagination? What is consistent, and what differs across the series? (~5 minutes)
   • Medium: Plays 
   • Number of Works: 10 
   • Place: The Hill District, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 
   • Time Period: 1900-2000 
   • Topics/themes: Legacy, family, racism, dignity, destiny, self-determination, prosperity 
2. Now, consider an epic tale you want to share, or an extended story that needs to be told. Decide on a medium, number of works, place, time period, and topics/themes. Allow yourself to be inspired by your family history, stories that interest you but are not often told, or let your imagination run wild. (~5 minutes)
   • Optional: If desired, brainstorm several answers to each question, and roll virtual or physical dice to pick the answers.
3. Consider whether you’d like to vary any element, or put your own creative spin on it; for example, perhaps you would try a different medium, like poetry or graphic novels, or maybe you would try several mediums across the series. Perhaps the first parts of the story would be told over a short period of time, and then the final piece would take place many years later. Get creative! (~10 minutes)
4. As desired, select a title for your series. You may wish to also spend some time outlining or sketching a few (or maybe all!) of the parts of your series. (~10 minutes)

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• This activity aligns with the following standards:
  • Illinois Arts Learning Standards 
    • Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
    • Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work.
    • Anchor Standard 11: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
  • Common Core State Standards 
    • CCSS.ELA.W4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Posted on November 3, 2026 in Learning Guides, Productions