Who is Harmond Wilks in Radio Golf?
The tenth and final play in August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, Radio Golf follows a black man named Harmond Wilks on his quest to revive his childhood neighborhood and become the first black mayor of Pittsburgh.
Who are the actors in the radio show Radio Golf?
Radio Golf. Directed by Kenny Leon, the cast featured Anthony Chisholm (Elder Joseph Barlow), John Earl Jelks (Sterling Johnson), Harry Lennix (Harmond Wilks), Tonya Pinkins (Mame Wilks), and James A. Williams (Roosevelt Hicks).
Where does Radio Golf take place?
PittsburghRadio GolfSeriesThe Pittsburgh CycleSubjecta powerful African-American politician runs for the highest office of his careerGenreDramaSettingthe Hill District of Pittsburgh, 19975 more rows
When did Radio Golf take place?
Radio Golf: The Play The plays were inspired by the author's childhood in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Corresponding to the last decade of the century, Radio Golf is set in 1997.
What is the theme of Radio Golf?
Identity is arguably the most important theme in Radio Golf . More specifically, African-American identity lies at the center of this play, and Wilson presents five distinct variations of that identity. For Sterling, identity has a clear moral code, and despite his past brushes with the law, he defines both...
What is the conflict in Radio Golf?
But the central conflict of "Radio Golf" is between his dreams of entrepreneurial and political success and the antithetical claims of the heritage represented by a newly discovered relative and the dilapidated but still grand 1839 Wylie Ave., vacant since the latest in a long line of Aunt Esters died in 1985.
What does Harmond offer Old Joe?
At the beginning of the second act, Harmond is in the office listening to 'Radio Golf,' Roosevelt's new radio show. When Old Joe comes into the office again, Harmond offers him money as compensation for the house. However, Old Joe refuses to accept any money as he would just rather keep the house. Sterling, who sells the golf clubs back to Harmond after having bought them for 20 dollars, defends Old Joe and believes the house should not be demolished.
What is the discovery made after Old Joe learns that Harmond's own father had been paying taxes on the house
This means that the sale of the house can't proceed and that Old Joe must be compensated.
What does Harmond decide to do after seeing the house for himself?
After seeing the house for himself, Harmond realizes that there is something special about the house and decides to change the redevelopment in order to keep the house. However, Roosevelt does not approve of this and warns Harmond that the house will be demolished.
What is the last play written by August Wilson?
It was written in 2005 and is the final part of Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle, a series of ten plays that cover the lives of African-Americans in every decade in the 20th century . The plays were inspired by the author's childhood in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Corresponding to the last decade of the century, Radio Golf is set in 1997.
What is Harmond Wilks' challenge?
The character of Harmond Wilks presents the audience with some unique challenges. Wilson wants the audience to root for him to have it all: the money, the development deal, and the mayoralty, all the while keeping his identity and cultural heritage intact. Essentially, Harmond is a man who simply wants too much.
Who is the voice of reason for Harmond?
Mame Wilks —Harmond’s wife and campaign manager. She is the voice of reason for Harmond and is pursuing a prestigious position for herself in the governor’s office. Roosevelt Hicks—Harmond’s longtime friend. A gambler by nature, Roosevelt has invested everything (literally and figuratively) in Harmond’s plans for the future of the Hill.
What is Harmond's character flaw?
If Harmond has a character flaw, it is his inability to fathom a world over which he cannot exert his control. A second key character trait that results in his undoing is a rather stubborn attachment to what is right. When Mame tries to talk him out of criticizing the police commissioner, he refuses.
What does Wilson ignore in the Sarah Degree?
Similarly, he disregards her advice about the naming of the Sarah Degree Medical Center. He even ignores her protestations about having his campaign headquarters in a rundown real estate office on the Hill. In presenting this, Wilson prepares the audience for Harmond’s eventual change.
Does Harmond have anything to prove?
Although the hints about his past are subtly placed, it is clear that Harmond has something to prove. His dead father’s weight as a shrewd businessman is felt throughout. Similarly, his need to fulfill the potential of both himself and his late brother is palpable. Harmond must embody his family’s legacy.
Is Mame Harmond naive?
If Harmond is idealistic to the point of naiveté, Mame remains firmly rooted in the practical. This matter-of-factness ironically does not make her seem calculating. Rather, Mame has an acute understanding of how the world does and does not work.