Home / Arts and Entertainment / Fences: A Father's Rage, A Family's Ruin
Fences: A Father's Rage, A Family's Ruin
17 Sep
Summary
- Play explores family, masculinity, and thwarted dreams.
- Protagonist Troy battles racism and denies his sons opportunities.
- Production blends gritty realism with theatrical flair.
Leeds Playhouse and Headlong present a revival of August Wilson's 1985 classic, "Fences," five years after their acclaimed production of "Jitney." The play, set in 1950s America, delves into the complexities of family, masculinity, and dashed aspirations within the African American Maxson family.
Ray Fearon delivers a compelling performance as Troy Maxson, a former baseball player denied professional success due to racial prejudice. Troy, a trash collector and former convict, struggles with his own hardships, projecting his anger and "harshness" onto his sons, Lyons and Cory, and his wife, Rose. He prioritizes providing basic necessities over emotional support, leading to profound familial rifts.
Daniel Bailey's dynamic production is underscored by the jazz music played by Lyons, weaving moments of joy and expression into the taut drama. Lily Arnold's revolving set design enhances the narrative, revealing the stark interior of the Maxson home. The production's blend of gritty realism and theatricality effectively mirrors Wilson's exploration of injustice and resilience.
