Waldron Directs ‘Radio Golf’ at Theatre Guild.
The Dayton Theatre Guild has long been known for its cutting edge productions, and its expert presentation of tough subject matter. August Wilson’s ‘Radio Golf‘ remains firmly in that path! I was lucky enough to catch up with the show’s director, Robert-Wayne Waldron. He gave us the inside scoop to this latest performance.
JS: Rob, so good to see you and to get a minute to chat about ‘Radio Golf.’ And with that, why ‘Radio Golf?’ What stuck out about it that made it seem like the play to do today?
RWW: I did not choose the show it was chosen by the Dayton Theatre Guild to open its 23-24 season. I was chosen from 3 other directors. I jumped at the chance it’s been a few years since I’ve been at the helm of a show and its August Wilson! Radio Golf is the final play in August Wilson’s Century Cycle of ten plays set in Pittsburgh 1997. It tells the story of Harmond Wilks a real-estate developer who is running to be the first Black mayor of Pittsburgh. When he confronted with sacrificing the past in order to pursue progress.
JS: The show has such depth and truly looks at gentrification and politics….etc. What do you hope audiences get from this show?
RWW: I hope our audience gain a better understanding of the continuing struggle of the Black community to preserve our history and traditions and embrace progress without sacrificing that past.
JS: Timely for sure. I know the Theatre Guild is known for dynamic ‘straight’ plays (non-musicals). How would you say this show is relevant in our climate today?
RWW: First of all, it’s August Wilson, the poet of theatre’s Black America. This show puts it right out there, the things that are still happening today the destruction of neighborhoods and communities in the name of progress, but for who…. certainly not the people in those communities. That’s because this progress and the improvements are out of the financial reach of the people in these communities.
JS: We literally can look around our area and see the same. Wow! So, for you, what is it in directing that you enjoy?
Cast of ‘Radio Golf.’
RWW: I enjoy the process of get a show to the stage. Expressing my creativity and working with the actors to bring the words of the script to life.
JS: And do you have a personal favorite show you have done in the area?
RWW: I have directed a lot of theatre over the years! If I had to pick one, it would be this one Radio Golf. It came along at a difficult time in my life, health wise, and it created an outlet for me not to be in my head with my health issue. I’m working with this amazing cast of actors and its been an awesome experience.
JS: Speaking of….who are you cast and crew?
RWW: Director: Robert-Wayne Waldron, Harmond Wilks: S. Francis Livisay, Mame Wilks: Jena Perry, Roosevelt Hicks: Lessley Scott, Sterling Johnson: Andre Tomlinson & Elder Joseph Barlow: Franklin Johnson.
August Wilson’s Radio Golf at DTG.
JS: This sounds like a real success for the Guild….what about ticket info?
RWW: August Wilson’s Radio Golf opens today, August 25th and runs weekends thru Sept 10th At the Dayton Theatre Guild 430 Wayne Avenue!
