42 pages • 1 hour read •
Radio Golf
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Book Brief
86
Play • Fiction
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 1990s
2005
Theatre Communications Group
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Radio Golf by August Wilson follows a real estate developer named Harmond Wilks, who embarks on a redevelopment project in Pittsburgh's Hill District. As Harmond navigates personal and professional challenges, individuals connected to the neighborhood's history compel him to confront issues of identity, community, and heritage, ultimately questioning his own aspirations and values.
Challenging
Contemplative
Inspirational
Emotional
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
949 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Radio Golf by August Wilson is celebrated for its compelling exploration of African American identity and urban renewal challenges. Critics praise Wilson's sharp dialogue and character depth, but some feel the plot is predictable. The play effectively concludes Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, providing a thoughtful, if sometimes heavy-handed, reflection on change and progress.
Who Should Read Radio Golf?
A reader who appreciates Radio Golf by August Wilson enjoys narratives that explore African American history and identity, urban redevelopment, and moral dilemmas. Similar audiences may be drawn to works like A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry and The Color Purple by Alice Walker.
949 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mame Wilks
Mame Wilks
Harmond’s wife and campaign strategist, dedicated to his success, often encouraging him to make pragmatic choices for political gain.
Roosevelt Hicks
Roosevelt Hicks
Vice President at Mellon Bank and Harmond’s friend and business partner, driven by ambition and material success, willing to partner with a controversial businessman to achieve his goals.
Sterling Johnson
Sterling Johnson
A self-employed contractor with a past criminal record, characterized by his independence and resilience, who questions the ethics of the redevelopment project.
Elder Joseph Barlow
Elder Joseph Barlow
An elderly man who claims ownership of a house scheduled for demolition, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical memory.
Radio Golf is the final installment of August Wilson's celebrated ten-play cycle, known as "The Pittsburgh Cycle," which showcases African American life in the 20th century, with each play set in a different decade.
The play premiered at the Yale Repertory Theatre in 2005 and later opened on Broadway at the Cort Theatre in 2007, receiving multiple Tony Award nominations.
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August Wilson personally visited the Hill District of Pittsburgh, his childhood neighborhood, to ensure authenticity in portraying the cultural and social changes within the area for Radio Golf.
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86
Play • Fiction
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 1990s
2005
Theatre Communications Group
Adult
18+ years
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