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The participants at the Kennedy Library Forum were actor Charles Dutton and composer Dwight Andrews, both of whome worked on Wilson's Broadway productions.

Dutton got interested in acting while serving a seven-and-a-half year jail sentence for mansluaghter. He eventually won a spot at Yale Drama School, where he was introduced to Wilson's work. From there is was on to Broadway, and Dutton was twice nominated for the Tony Award for his performances in Wilson's plays. 

Andrews served as music director for six Broadway productions of August Wilson plays. He is a professor of music theory and African American studies at Emory University, and practicing minister.

The moderator was Elvis Mitchell, entertainment critic for National Public Radio's Weekend Edition.

Gallery

August Wilson's explains African American history

The plays and politics of August Wilson

If anything, playwright August Wilson's stature has been growing since his death two years ago. The one-time St. Paulite has a Broadway theater named for him. In May, the New York Times will host an event celebrating Wilson's work, and earlier in the year the Kennedy Library honored Wilson, too.

Kennedy Library honors August Wilson

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