Welcome to The AngelWing Project!

August Wilson has written a series of glorious plays, each set in a different decade depicting the life of African Americans in 20th-century America.  He has given us many memorable male characters, from Troy Maxson in Fences to the ambitious Levee in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. However, his portrayal of the women covers a wide range as well. 

Because of his male-centered plays, Wilson has often been criticized for writing female characters who do not have the fortitude of their mail counterparts.   In the article “The ground on which I stand: August Wilson’s Perspective on African American Women.” August Wilson shares his point of view with Shannon, Sandra G. He says “I doubt seriously if I would make a woman the focus of my work simply because of the fact that I am a man, and I guess because of the ground on which I stand and the viewpoint from which I perceive the world.” 

Through the  examination of the female characters, the audience will gain a greater understanding of these women outside of the male definition.