Regional Finalists for Milwaukee Rep's August Wilson Monologue Competition have been Selected
The top 10 regional finalists for Milwaukee Rep’s August Wilson Monologue Competition. (Picture provided by Milwaukee Repertory Theater)
In 2005, Playwright August Wilson died and just two years later, a national competition was created in his honor—the National August Wilson Monologue Competition (AWMC). Wilson dedicated his work to depicting the lives of African Americans, including plays like “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”, which has been adapted into a movie. The national competition has made its way to Milwaukee for the first time with Milwaukee Repertory Theater being the host.
Students from 9th-12th grade had the chance to audition for one of the finalist spots. 10 students were selected as regional finalists, including one of our CNS 2020 Scholarship Recipients Fardowso Shidad. The other finalists are Jonathan Edwards, Terynn Erby-Walker, Francis Faye, Kamani Graham, Dejanaye Jones, Anyiah Lobley, Yexuanj Rivera Melendez, Lilyanna Romer and Alexis Wilson.
Finalists have each selected their own Wilson monologue to remember and perform virtually on March 29, 2021. Judges will then select two finalists who will perform at the national virtual competition. Pre-COVID, students would be flown out to New York to perform on a Broadway stage.
This year’s national competition includes students from 14 cities, including Milwaukee, Atlanta, Dallas, Portland, New Haven and more.
Milwaukee Rep Lead Teacher and Recruiter of the August Wilson Monologue Competition, Ashley Jordan has been working with the students through workshops and coaching sessions, ensuring they’re prepared for their performances. The workshops started in January of this year and were held for several weeks from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday. The last class was held on February 7, 2021 with the kids wishing they had more time.
“These students have been working incredibly hard. They’ve been working on these pieces day in and day out,” said Jordan.
According to Jordan, her students have been able to take their 14 through 18-year-old selves and transform into characters who are in their 40-50s. The students worked on memorization, diction, and so much more.
Since Wilson’s plays contains cursing and the use of the N-word, this competition is held off for high schoolers. Yet, those in 5th-8th grade are allowed to shadow the high students. For Jordan, it’s about the student’s doing their best and bringing Wilson’s work to life.
“He’s a beast. He’s able to portray so many different voices in the African American community,” Jordan said about Wilson. “He’s a pillar in our community. Although everyone might not know him, all can relate to his stories.”
This is Milwaukee’s first time hosting this competition, but it will be annual opportunity for students over the years.
To find out more about the National August Wilson Monologue Competition, click here. For the Wisconsin regional competition, click here.