After they took their final bows, Ron Himes and Ronald L. Conner were recognized for a special achievement at the June 1 performance of The St. Louis Black Repertory Company’s presentation of “Radio Golf.”
“We are thrilled to congratulate Ron Himes and Ronald L. Conner on completing the August Wilson Century Cycle,” their co-star Velma Austin said before presenting them with plaques.
The cycle is a collection of plays that depict Black life throughout the 1900s. It was Conner’s first go-round – and a second rotation for Himes.
Sunday’s moment was supposed to be the culmination of Season 48, and the final performance of “Radio Golf.” But it was announced after they were presented with their plaques that the show would continue through June 8 at Washington University’s Edison Theatre.
The Black Rep had to postpone the opening weekend of “Radio Golf” because of the devastating tornado that touched down in the St. Louis region on Friday, May 16. The extension gives Himes, Conner and the entire company an opportunity to bask in their storied history with the late playwright’s iconic body of work.
“With the exception of a production of ‘Fences,’ every one of them has taken place at The Black Rep,” Himes said of the many roles he’s performed in Wilson’s plays. “It’s crazy when you think about it,” said Himes, who is also The Black Rep’s founder and Producing Director. “We’ve been doing August’s plays since the 80s.”
The year was 1989 to be exact. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was the company’s first staging. In the thirty five years since that production, The Black Rep has become a leading authority when it comes to producing Wilson’s work.
It was through The Black Rep that Conner started his quest to complete the cycle when he was among the ensemble for “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” 21 years ago. Himes embodied the title character for that same production.
“As soon as I found out there were ten, I knew I wanted to do all of them,” Conner said.
When Conner completed the assignment he gave himself, it was all the more special that he was able to start and finish on The Black Rep stage. It is the place that introduced him to the playwright – and where he developed his craft as an actor.
“Grateful is what comes to mind when I think about it,” Conner said as he was gearing up to take the stage as Roosevelt, an ambitious businessman willing to succeed at the community’s expense.
“Having him start and finish here is at the core of our mission,” Himes said. “And that includes creating a platform for Black playwrights, like Wilson and so many others – and providing a place for Black actors to perform their work.”
The Black Rep’s presentation of “Radio Golf” continues through June 8st at Washington University’s Edison Theatre, 6465 Forsyth Blvd, 63105. For tickets or additional information, visit www.theblackrep.org or call 314.534.3807.
Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.
Related
