Review: “Fences” at Trinity Rep: A gut-punch of a drama – Robb Dimmick

by Robb Dimmick, Stages of Freedom

What is perhaps August Wilson’s best-known play may also be his most powerful. In segregated 1957 Pittsburgh, former Negro League baseball player, Troy Maxson, is now scraping by as a sanitation worker. Once a towering figure in his community, he now only exerts control over his wife and two sons. Troy’s desire to protect his loved ones from oppression grows warped by his stubbornness and pride.

A devastating look at a man and his family’s strained relationships, Fences is a must-see Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, returning to the Trinity Rep stage for the first time in over 30 years.

“A brilliant, simpatico ensemble led by Kelvin Roston, Jr. and local legend, Jackie Davis, grabs us minute one with conviction and conviviality, leading us on a breathtaking collision course of broken dreams and family crisis. It’s August Wilson’s answer to Death of a Salesman.

Don’t walk, run to see it.” – Robb Dimmick

“Fences” runs through April 28th at Trinity Rep in downtown Providence.