It was Broadway at Howard as the University staged a fitting and emotional tribute on Dec. 1, 2005, to the life and legacy of award-winning playwright August Wilson, who passed away on Oct. 2, 2005, in Seattle. The production, “Exploring the Dramatic Vision of August Wilson: A Tribute to August Wilson,” was complete with all the theatrics made famous from the writer’s 10-play cycle celebrating the African-American experience. In addition to the acting, there was singing, drumming, a video montage, and heartfelt reflections from the actors, actresses and theater owners who were fortunate enough to work with Wilson.

President H. Patrick Swygert, who gave the opening remarks, called Wilson “America’s Shakespeare.” He expressed the University's respect for Wilson's body of work before introducing special guest Sakina Ansari, Wilson’s daughter, who gave remarks on behalf of the family.

She told the audience that her father loved Howard, and of all his honors and recognitions, the honorary doctorate he received from the University during the 2004 Commencement was his most cherished. Ansari said despite the focus of her father’s work, he did not receive much recognition from HBCUs, but he did not let that deter him. “He said, ‘The work is the right, not the reward.’”

Rivaling any major theater production currently showing, the five actors and actresses, including three alumni and acclaimed writer-actor Reuben Santiago-Hudson (“Lackawana Blues”), took to the stage to give personal tributes before performing excerpts from their respective plays. Many were brought to tears as they recounted their experiences working with Wilson.

“He inspired me to find my own voice,” said alumna Rosalyn Coleman, who has performed in “The Piano Lesson,” “Two Trains Running” and “Seven Guitars,” in which she originated the role of Ruby for the Broadway production.

Additionally, currently enrolled theater arts students lent their talents to the production. Kiyanna Cox gave a rousing performance, singing “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” And, Kyle Jones and Chaela Phillips performed a scene from “Jitney.”

In addition to the performers, theater owners from D.C., Baltimore and Chicago paid their tributes to Wilson. “He believed in my vision,” said alumnus Derrick Sanders, artistic director, Congo Square Theatre in Chicago, recalling how receptive Wilson was when he approached him with his idea for starting a theater. “He was the first person on the advisory board and the largest contributor. I am living proof of Wilson’s generosity.”

Molly Smith, artistic director, Arena Stage in D.C., called Wilson’s 10-play cycle an “American treasure.” She said: “His was the work of a giant.”

The evening came to a close with remarks from Joe Selmon, chair, Department of Theater Arts, and Dr. Sandra Shannon, Department of English, who chaired the special event committee and has been an ardent scholar of Wilson’s work.