A legend of the theatre moves on.....

Damn…I just read that August Wilson died the other day from cancer. My condolences go out to his family. The theatre going public will truly miss this legend. It was announced a few months ago near the release of his newest play “Radio Golf” that the 60 year old playwright had liver cancer. He was quoted as saying "I've lived a blessed life. I'm ready." and that he was making his final preparations.

To me that is just so deep on a number of different levels. First of all, how many artists and non-artists have been affected by this man’s work? We’re talking ‘Piano Lesson’, ‘Fences’, ‘Ma Rainey's Black Bottom’ the list goes on and on. How many acting careers were launched by giving life to his words? I’ve always wondered how it might feel to know that your work has had such a profound effect on an entire culture. Does that place added pressure on you as an artist for your future projects? Do you get ‘gun shy’ because you don’t want to diminish your legacy? Or do you walk confidently and still remain true to your artistic expression. Whether it’s still popular or not. I think the easy answer is to say that you stay true to your art…but how many times have other artists/performers been criticized for sticking around “beyond their prime”. But I digress….

Back to Mr. Wilson; Imagine if you knew you only had months or even just days before you died. How would you handle that? How do you wake up in the morning everyday? How do you plan for the future or is everything now all about your family and children? Would you simply put on a brave front for your family and friends? Would you cry? Or would crying make you feel as if you’re questioning or upset with God. I guess the dignity and strength that Mr. Wilson displayed when facing his mortality is how I would like to go. My faith in God would have to keep me strong……but having said all that, I’m still human aren’t I? I just pray that when that time comes for me (because it will come for us all) , I handle it as a Man with my faith firmly intact and still grateful for all my family, friends and Blessings that I’ve been given.

Well that’s it for now. To Mr. August Wilson, thank you for sharing your work with all of us. May you rest in peace and continue to write great stories to share with those of us who hope to meet you one day when our time has come. God Bless.