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Fences, a new movie starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis, is a Pulitzer Prize winning drama by August Wilson. Part of Wilson's Century cycle of plays each depicting one decade of African American life during the 20th century, Fences takes us back to the 1950s when African Americans were first beginning to make inroads into white society.

Troy Maxson has been married to Rose for eighteen years. A family man, he has worked as a garbage collector alongside his closest friend Bono during this time. Although steady pay, the two men wonder why only white men can drive trucks while Negros collect trash. This leads Troy to question his union boss and take his grievances to a commission. In the years between Jackie Robinson integrating baseball and the passage of the Civil Rights Act, it was not likely for Maxson to achieve his promotion.

Meanwhile, Rose has been steady by his side as a typical 1950s housewife. She desires the best for their son Cory, who has been offered a football scholarship at a North Carolina university. Troy rather than looking toward the future, is rooted in the past, partially bitter and reminiscing that he never had a shot at the major leagues. A recurring theme in Wilson's Century plays, the playwright has multiple characters with an eye toward achieving the American dream with one protagonist living in his traditions of the past. In Fences, Troy Maxson is this such character as he would rather that Cory follow in his footsteps than be his own person.

Additionally, Troy has to look out for his brother Gabe, who had been disabled during World War II, and Lyons, a son from a first marriage. Each character in this drama would like a slice of the pie during a decade that is the crossroads of the 20th century. As Jackie Robinson has achieved the ultimate American dream, African Americans believe that anything is possible. This is embodied in Cory who desires to play football and earn a college education. This puts Rose in a precarious situation because during the 1950s, her position was to value her husband's position rather than her own opinion. These powerful characters create a poignant prose and memorable second act.

Fences first starred James Earl Jones as Troy Maxson. One of the premier actors of the last fifty years, I would have loved to see him in this role. August Wilson has created a legacy in his Century cycle plays, four of which earned the Pulitzer and other multiple awards. Having read the Piano Lesson and Fences, I am looking forward to reading the Cycle to its completion at the end of the century. A powerful drama, Fences is deserving of its Pulitzer and five star rating.