For Immediate Release
September 10, 2008

Contact: Julie McGarvie, Marketing Director
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Tickets: Penumbra Theatre Box Office
651-224-3180 or penumbratheatre.org

EXTENDED RUN - Now through October 19, 2008!
Fences by August Wilson
Directed by Lou Bellamy

September 10, 2008; St. Paul, MN: Penumbra Theatre Company, the nation's preeminent African American theatre, announces the addition of 28 performances of Fences due to popular demand. The extension runs through Sunday, October 19, 2008.

A Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, Fences is the story of Troy Maxon who by all rights should have been an American baseball legend. When his rapid rise through the Negro leagues hit the ceiling of racial prejudice, Troy was forced to let go of his dream for major league success. Now his son has won the attention of college football recruiters - an opportunity to achieve the dream his father could not. Can Troy quiet his own demons enough to support his son or will he strike out once more? Set in 1957, Fences is the heartbreaking story of a man and his last chance at bat.

Starring: Ansa Akyea (Cory), James Craven (Gabriel), Marion McClinton (Jim Bono), Elayn J. Taylor (Rose), Kevin D. West (Lyons), James A. Williams (Troy Maxon), and Marianna McGee and Mahogany Ellis (sharing the role of Raynell).

Wilson's Fences deftly captures the tensions of the 1950s, offering a unique and powerful insight into a turbulent era in American history. Penumbra proudly presents this play as part of its five year commitment to stage all ten of August Wilson's plays that chronicle black American life decade by decade. Penumbra will host Wilson's 20th Century Cycle by staging two of his plays each season. Last year Penumbra launched the cycle with The Piano Lesson and Gem of the Ocean. This season includes Fences and Radio Golf.

Director Lou Bellamy states, "This great playwright, who found muses in his friends and fellow company members at Penumbra, took up the mantle to create stories and characters that were worthy of the black people he knew, of the richness of the culture he saw. Penumbra is honored to host Wilson's 20th Century Cycle and offer audiences the opportunity to witness the work of a great writer staged by the artists he regarded so highly—and to rediscover a century of American Life."

Performances run Wednesdays through Sundays, times vary. Details follow on quick reference.