Minnesota Now

'A fortunate meeting': Penumbra Theater showcases August Wilson play written in St. Paul

June 3, 2026·7 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

August Wilson is one of America's most-produced playwrights. He's best known for his 10-play series, the “Century Cycle,” which includes “Fences” and “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.” While many of his plays are set in Pittsburgh, Wilson began his career as a playwright at Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul. One of his earlier plays in the cycle, "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," is running at Penumbra through June 21.MPR News arts reporter Jacob Aloi spoke with director of the production and Penumbra founder Lou Bellamy about the play and Wilson's legacy in Minnesota.

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