description Two Trains Running Overview
Two Trains Running is a play by August Wilson, first produced in 1990 and included in his ten-play Pittsburgh Cycle about African American life across the twentieth century. Set in a Pittsburgh diner in 1969, it follows its owner and regular customers as urban redevelopment, racial inequality, economic change, and the civil rights movement reshape their neighborhood. The work is intended for audiences interested in American drama, Black history, and community life during social upheaval.
help Two Trains Running FAQ
Where does "Two Trains Running" take place?
The play is set entirely in a Pittsburgh diner owned by Memphis Lee during the year 1969. The diner, located in the Hill District, is struggling because the neighborhood is being heavily disrupted by urban redevelopment.
Who wrote "Two Trains Running" and how does it fit into his body of work?
"Two Trains Running" was written by August Wilson and is included in his ten-play Pittsburgh Cycle. It represents the 1960s decade in his ambitious project to document the African American experience across the twentieth century, decade by decade.
What are the main characters in "Two Trains Running" arguing about?
The diner's regular customers, including characters like Holloway, Hambone, and Wolf, constantly debate life, race, and the changing cultural landscape of the late 1960s. A major plot point revolves around Memphis's fight to get fair compensation from the city for his soon-to-be-demolished building.
Who is the prophet-like character in "Two Trains Running"?
The character Aunt Esther is spoken of reverently by the diner patrons as a 349-year-old spiritual cleanser and the soul of the African American community. Though she never appears on stage, characters regularly speak of visiting her to wash their souls.
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