August Wilson was primarily influenced by "the four Bs": blues music, the Argentine writer and poet Jorge Luis Borges, the playwright Amiri Baraka, and the painter Romare Bearden. He also cited writers Ed Bullins and James Baldwin as significant inspirations.
The Pillars of Influence on August Wilson
The acclaimed American playwright August Wilson, known for his "Century Cycle" of ten plays documenting the African American experience in the 20th century, drew profound inspiration from a diverse array of artists and cultural forms. His influences shaped not only the themes and narratives of his works but also their unique style and rhythm.
The "Four Bs"
Wilson often articulated his core influences as "the four Bs," a quartet of creative forces that were fundamental to his artistic development and perspective:
- Blues Music: More than just a musical genre, the blues represented a deep cultural wellspring for Wilson. It provided the emotional landscape, narrative structure, and a profound connection to the historical and lived experiences of African Americans, informing the voice and spirit of his characters and plays.
- Jorge Luis Borges: An Argentine writer and poet, Borges's influence can be seen in Wilson's intricate storytelling, his exploration of memory and history, and his use of rich, often metaphorical language. Borges's philosophical depth and mastery of short fiction likely resonated with Wilson's own narrative ambitions.
- Amiri Baraka: As a pivotal figure in the Black Arts Movement, playwright, poet, and activist Amiri Baraka (formerly LeRoi Jones) provided a powerful model for political and cultural engagement through theater. His fearless exploration of racial identity, struggle, and empowerment offered a direct lineage for Wilson's own dramatic work.
- Romare Bearden: The highly influential African American artist Romare Bearden, known for his collages and paintings, influenced Wilson's visual imagination and his approach to constructing narratives. Bearden's ability to weave together fragments of African American life and history into cohesive, evocative images paralleled Wilson's dramatic layering of time, place, and character.
Here's a quick overview of these foundational influences:
| Influence Category | Specific Influencer | Profession/Art Form | Key Impact on Wilson (Inferred) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The "Four Bs" | Blues Music | Music | Emotional depth, narrative rhythm, cultural resonance |
| Jorge Luis Borges | Writer, Poet | Storytelling structure, philosophical depth, language | |
| Amiri Baraka | Playwright, Poet, Activist | Political engagement, racial themes, dramatic style | |
| Romare Bearden | Painter | Visual imagination, layered narrative construction, cultural imagery |
Additional Literary Influences
Beyond the "four Bs," August Wilson also acknowledged specific writers who significantly impacted his craft and vision:
- Ed Bullins: Another prominent playwright from the Black Arts Movement, Bullins's raw and authentic portrayal of contemporary Black life and his innovative dramatic techniques likely served as an important influence on Wilson's approach to character and dialogue.
- James Baldwin: The iconic essayist, novelist, and civil rights activist James Baldwin was a towering literary figure whose profound explorations of race, sexuality, and the human condition deeply resonated with Wilson. Baldwin's eloquent prose and unwavering commitment to truth-telling provided a powerful example for Wilson's own dramatic inquiries into the African American experience.
These diverse influences, ranging from musical forms to visual arts and literary giants, collectively forged the unique voice and enduring legacy of August Wilson's contributions to American theater.
