Baseball, racism and the American dream'all themes in The Madison Repertory Theater's latest production, August Wilson's \Fences."" In the tradition of classic American playwrights Arthur Miller and Eugene O'Neil, ""Fences,"" playing at The Isthmus Playhouse, portrays the uniquely American dynamics that challenge the African American family. Within the play's flawed protagonist, Troy Maxson, Wilson is able to communicate not only a deeply personal tale of a man with lost dreams, but also a more broad criticism of the condition of black people in America. The Repertory's production seems to spare no cost in producing this award-winning play as the acting, direction and set design are all superb.
Troy is played with a profound mix of humor and deeply seeded anger, by Roscoe Orman, an incredibly accomplished actor who not only had the long running role of Gordon on ""Sesame Street,"" but also played the role of Troy's brother Gabriel in the original Broadway production. Troy is the centerpiece of the story. He represents a complete dichotomy: On one hand he is magnetic and lovable as he jokes with his best friend Bono or flirts with his wife Rose. Yet Troy, who had played in the Negro Leagues but was never able to make it to the big leagues, still carries resentment from this lost dream. He prevents his son Cory, an exceptional football player, to receive a scholarship for football because of his hatred of the athletics that betrayed him. He is not faithful to his wife Rose, who is played wonderfully by Vikki Myers, and while being loyal to his mentally disabled brother Gabriel, also seems to use him for his disability checks. The play follows Troy and his family through the waning years of his life as he confronts his accomplishments and failures. In the end Troy remains a conflicted character, but his failures as a man seem to be understood by both his family and the audience.
The set design and direction of this play both greatly enhance its impact. The set design itself reflects the weathered and hardworking affect of Troy. The most profound set choice is the gradually growing fence, which Troy builds throughout the play. In some way the fence seems to not only be a symbol of the growing separation between Cory and Troy, but also more generally serves as a metaphor for the economic and social pressures which fence the African American man in.
Orman, while leading this cast, is not the only highlight. DJ Howard plays Bono, Troy's best friend with enough tenderness and humor that their relationship becomes completely believable. Herbert Mark Parker, who plays Gabriel and Karim Ra, Corey, both carry their roles off with strong emotion and power. In general the acting of this play is professional, polished and most importantly emotional. Playing at The Isthmus Theater found in the Madison Civic Center through March 30, ""Fences"" offers Madison theatergoers a chance to see a high quality production of a high quality piece of modern American theater.
