August Wilson's King Hedley II

In this ninth play of August Wilson's American Century Cycle, 1985 Pittsburgh's Hill District is a mythic landscape of dreams and struggle. After seven years in prison, King returns determined to build a future by piecing together odd jobs—some legal, some not—so he can open a video store. Wilson paints this setting with unabashed lyricism and tragic weight: King seeks redemption for a past murder, confronts old vendettas that won't die, and faces an explosive secret his mother has hidden. Directed by Tim Bond, the play explores systems of violence and intergenerational poverty while continuing the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's commitment to Wilson's monumental cycle.

Written by August Wilson Directed by Tim Bond

The play contains strong profanity, discussions of abortion, potentially blasphemous language, vivid descriptions of sexuality, and onstage violence; the n-word is used between Black characters. Due to mature content, it is recommended only for well-prepared students.