To understand the gravity, privilege and importance of a play by August Wilson about August Wilson, imagine if Shakespeare had also written about Shakespeare.
That’s precisely what Chicago audiences will get when Wilson’s autobiographical, one-man show “How I Learned What I Learned” plays at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut St) from this Saturday, April 20 to May 5.
That Shakespeare analogy is courtesy of the esteemed Chicago-bred actor Harry Lennix, who is set to play Wilson in “How I Learned What I Learned” for this limited run.
“If Shakespeare had written the play about being a young Shakespeare, everybody would want to see that; they would want to have access to that,” said Lennix in an interview with The Chicago Defender.
The actor revealed that he didn’t even know “How I Learned What I Learned” even existed until the Congo Square Theatre asked him to star in it.
Indeed, the Congo Square Theatre Company is celebrating its 25th season with the Chicago premiere of this production. When it was co-founded by Derrick Sanders and Reginald Nelson in 1999, Wilson was one of the company’s biggest supporters.
Moreover, “How I Learned What I Learned” represents a full-circle moment for Congo Square, Lennix and director Ken-Matt Martin, who previously worked on four August Wilson plays. So, the production presents a unique opportunity and responsibility for everyone involved.
“How I Learned What I Learned” Director Ken-Matt Martin
“This is him talking about his own life,” said Martin about Wilson’s autobiographical play. “This is him talking about his own family, the people who inspired and pushed and challenged him to become who he was.”
“There’s always a deep sense of responsibility when you work on any of Wilson’s work, but in particular with this one, because we are actually telling his story,” said Martin.
Another unique element of this production is Lennix’s personal relationship with the playwright. Wilson passed away in 2005, but he is best known for his 10 plays that chronicled Black Pittsburgh that resonated far beyond those boundaries, earning him numerous honors, including a Tony Award and two Pulitzer Prizes.
Lennix has played in other August Wilson productions like “King Hedley II and “Radio Golf,” but his portrayal of the revered playwright in this one-man show takes on special meaning. This is evident in the vignettes he shared about his encounters with Wilson.
Lennix talked about how Wilson would listen in on the rehearsals.
“You could tell when he approved of the way his work was being done and interpreted,” said Lennix, “Because he would just sort of listen to it like he was listening to music.”
Lennix recalled those times when he just wanted to be around Wilson.
“I remember sneaking out with him from time to time. He would go out for a cigarette break, and I would bum a cigarette off him from time to time. Not that I smoked,” said Lennix, “but I just wanted to have that in common with August Wilson, just to be in his company.”
But there was yet another memory about him that made the actor smile. It occurred when Wilson saw him perform in a production of “King Hedley II.”
Marion McClinton, who directed Lennix in King Hedley II” said that Wilson made a remark about the actor’s performance.
“August said something about a scene I had done in King Hedley, and he said, ‘I would take that eight times a week,’ which is the highest praise indeed.”
“So, I’m honored to be able to play this part,” Lennix said.
For More Information
The Production: “How I Learned What I Learned” by August Wilson, Directed by
Ken-Matt Martin and starring Harry Lennix
Playing at: Broadway Playhouse At Water Tower Place
When: April 20 – May 5, 2024
Tickets: Individual tickets are available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com or any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Groups of 10 or more may book now by calling (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. Please visit BroadwayInChicago.com for more details and schedule.
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