Seven Guitars

Seven Guitars was written by the acclaimed American playwright August Wilson. It is a crucial part of his famous Pittsburgh Cycle, also known as the Century Cycle. Wilson's work is celebrated for its profound exploration of the African American experience in the 20th century.

The play is set in 1948 in Pittsburgh's Hill District, a neighborhood that features prominently in Wilson's work. The post-World War II setting heavily influences the characters' struggles with racism and economic hardship. The backyard setting provides a communal gathering space for the ensemble.

The narrative begins immediately after the funeral of blues guitarist Floyd Barton. The story flashes back to reveal the events leading up to his death, exploring his ambitions to record a hit record and his turbulent relationships. The play examines the systemic barriers that destroyed his dreams.

The central character, Floyd Barton, is a blues guitarist trying to navigate the exploitative music industry of the 1940s. The rhythm, themes, and emotional weight of blues music deeply inform the dialogue and the structure of the play. The music acts as a narrative force representing both pain and survival.