Art of Wise
By Mark Clayton Southers
Directed by Monteze Freeland
April 11th – May 4th 2025
Madison Arts Center
Art of Wise uncovers centuries of revisionist history through the paint strokes of two families, one owned by the other yet sharing the same name. At the story’s core, two young women’s potential friendship takes a dramatic turn, with their remarkable artworks becoming a means for one family to attain freedom. This gripping drama opens wounds of the past yet uses art to soothe through music, dance, song, and masterful illustration.
Set in 1822, this is the fifth produced play in Mark Clayton Southers’ 19th Century Collection, which includes such acclaimed works as Miss Julie, Clarissa, and John (PPTCO, 2016-2017), Savior Samuel (PPTCO, 2019), The Bluegrass Mile (PPTCO, 2023), and The Coffin Maker (Pittsburgh Public Theatre, 2024).
Two Trains Running
By August Wilson
Directed by Mark Clayton Southers
August 9th – 30th 2025
Madison Arts Center
We return to this August Wilson classic, which we last presented in 2008 (when the production was listed among the top ten plays of the DECADE by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette).
Set in the turbulent 1960s, Memphis Lee fights for fair compensation when his only property, his restaurant, is targeted for demolition by the City in the name of urban renewal. Memphis is not alone in his fight for justice, fair wages and love as his employees and regulars face changes in the Hill District we still struggle with today.
Two Trains Running will be presented as part of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle Experience, three August Wilson classics, all running in August 2025 at Madison Arts Center and August Wilson House.
Fences 
By August Wilson
Directed by Stephen McKinley Henderson
August 8th – September 6th 2025
Outdoors at August Wilson House
Set in the 1950s, Fences evokes the early rumblings of the civil rights movement. The central character is Troy Maxson, a middle-aged resident of Pittsburgh’s Hill District. The play follows Troy’s struggle to accept the generational changes that allowed his son to succeed in ways Troy never could.
Fences will be presented as part of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle Experience, three August Wilson classics, all running in August 2025 at Madison Arts Center and August Wilson House.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
By August Wilson
Directed by Ashley Southers
August 15th – 24th 2025
Madison Arts Center cabaret space
Set during a single afternoon in the recording studio of the famous blues singer Ma Rainey, this classic is the first of Wilson’s ten-play American Century Cycle, now considered a staple of American theater.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom will be presented as part of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle Experience, three August Wilson classics, all running in August 2025 at Madison Arts Center and August Wilson House.
Earlier In Our 2025 Season
Sanctified
Written and Directed By Javon Johnson
March 8th – 30th 2025
Madison Arts Center
This warm and joyous musical promises great gospel music and great comedy. Sanctified celebrates the trials and triumphs of the African-American church, gospel choirs, today’s hip-hop and R&B and how music ultimately brings unity to the church and community.
Winner of six 2009 Black Theatre Alliance Awards including the August Wilson Award for Best Writing of a Play (Musical/Adaptation), Best Production (Musical or Revue), Best Direction (Musical or Revue), and Best Musical Director, Sanctified promises great music, exciting characters and a great night at the theater.
Special Events
Almost 40 & Single
NO HUSBAND. NO CHILDREN. NO PROBLEM…RIGHT?
Written/Performed by Cynthia Dallas
Directed by Linda Haston
At Madison Arts Center
April 2025
Synopsis: An unflinching look at the obstacles a mature, unmarried, child-free woman of color faces in today’s dating culture. A one-woman comedy that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt alone and unlucky in love.