April 27 would have been the 70th birthday of August Wilson, who died nearly 10 years ago on Oct. 2, 2005. The celebrated Pittsburgh playwright and chronicler of the African-American experience in the 20th century is being remembered this weekend with several events:
• “Celebrating August Wilson,” noon-3 p.m. Saturday. WQED Multimedia offers a free program of student monologue performances, workshops, tributes and a scene from the 11th Play Competition winner at the Hill House Kaufman Center, 1835 Centre Ave., Hill District (15219). Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-august-wilson-tickets-16332802853.
• “August Wilson’s Women,” 8 p.m. Saturday, presented by Friends of the August Wilson Center. The program explores the writer’s works through the eyes of the female characters in his plays. Directed by Todd Kreidler, Mr. Wilson’s collaborator on “How I Learned What I Learned,” the event will feature performances by a jazz ensemble and dance and spoken-word artists. RSVP by email at AugustWilsonWomen@gmail.com.
• “Ka-Blam!,” the annual ToonSeum fundraiser, 8-11 p.m. Saturday at the Teamsters Temple Banquet Hall in Lawrenceville. With host Rick Sebak, this year’s theme is “Pittsburgh Characters,” and the ToonSeum will honor notable figures such as Art Rooney Sr., Fred Rogers, Myron Cope, Sophie Masloff and August Wilson. Admission is $40; VIP tickets at $75 or $125 per couple include a reception from 7-8 p.m. Free music and beverages, a silent auction, caricature artists and more; 412-232-0199 or www.toonseum.org.
First Published: April 22, 2015, 4:00 a.m.
