A celebration of August Wilson’s 70th birthday

August Wilson in April of 2001. The celebrated American playwright was born April 27, 1945. (Bill Wade/Post-Gazette)
August Wilson in April of 2001. The celebrated American playwright was born April 27, 1945. (Bill Wade/Post-Gazette)
August Wilson in the Hill District on Bedford Avenue. (Bill Wade/Post-Gazette)
August Wilson in the Hill District on Bedford Avenue. (Bill Wade/Post-Gazette)
At the 2001 New York City  premiere of "King Hedley II",  playwright August Wilson who holds his daughter Azula,3, in front of the Virginia Theatre.  (Bill Wade/Post-Gazette)
At the 2001 New York City premiere of “King Hedley II”, playwright August Wilson who holds his daughter Azula,3, in front of the Virginia Theatre. (Bill Wade/Post-Gazette)
August Wilson talks with actor Anthony Chisholm during rehearsal of Wilson's play "Radio Golf" at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., in 2005.(AP Photo/ Michelle McLoughlin)
August Wilson talks with actor Anthony Chisholm during rehearsal of Wilson’s play “Radio Golf” at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., in 2005.(AP Photo/ Michelle McLoughlin)
On the set for "Fences" at Pittsburgh Public Theater in 1999 are, from left,  Keith Glover, Marion McClinton, August Wilson and John Henry Redwood. (Bill Wade/Post-Gazette)
On the set for “Fences” at Pittsburgh Public Theater in 1999 are, from left, Keith Glover, Marion McClinton, August Wilson and John Henry Redwood. (Bill Wade/Post-Gazette)
Pallbearers bring August Wilson's casket out of Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall after a celebration of Wilson's life. (Andy Starnes/Post-Gazette)
Pallbearers bring August Wilson’s casket out of Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall after a celebration of Wilson’s life. (Andy Starnes/Post-Gazette)
 Sakina Ansari-Wilson, daughter of August Wilson, immediately following the unveiling of the historical marker  at Wilson's childhood home at 1727 Bedford Ave. in the Hill District. (Andy Starnes/Post-Gazette)
Sakina Ansari-Wilson, daughter of August Wilson, immediately following the unveiling of the historical marker at Wilson’s childhood home at 1727 Bedford Ave. in the Hill District. (Andy Starnes/Post-Gazette)
Paul Ellis Jr., a nephew of August Wilson, holds a portrait of the playwright in one of the small, humble rooms at 1727 Bedford Avenue in the Hill District. Wilson spent his formative childhood years in these rooms. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Paul Ellis Jr., a nephew of August Wilson, holds a portrait of the playwright in one of the small, humble rooms at 1727 Bedford Avenue in the Hill District. Wilson spent his formative childhood years in these rooms. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)