THEN AND NOW: A Conversation

Urban renewal in the 1960s Pittsburgh of August Wilson’s Two Trains Running and in Philadelphia today.

Two Trains Running is a significant and provoking work. Join Arden Theatre Company and host Naomi Starobin from WHYY’s Keystone Crossroads as we talk about the issues in Wilson’s master work and

whether things are better or worse today. How have things changed for poor communities of color? How have past urban renewal policies affected the present? Is eminent domain different today than in the late 1960’s? Audience members are encouraged to share their own thoughts and insights and will help steer the course of this important conversation. This event is hosted in partnership with WHYY’s Keystone Crossroads.

A reception will follow the panel.

MODERATOR: Naomi Starobin, Editor, WHYY’s Keystone Crossroads.

PANELISTS:

Brian Abernathy: First Deputy Managing Director, City of Philadelphia. Formerly Executive Director, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.

Johnnie Hobbs, Jr.: actor, currently playing Memphis in the Arden’s production of Wilson’s Two Trains Running.

Jimmie Moore: former municipal court judge and ward leader. Jimmy has lived on Montgomery Avenue in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of Philadelphia for about 14 years.

Rasheedah Phillips: Managing Attorney of the Housing Unit at Legal Services.

Christopher Rawson: As Senior Theater Critic and theatre Editor (1983 to 2008) for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Rawson chronicled Wilson’s career in detail, starting with his Broadway debut in 1984, and compiled a comprehensive record of reviews, interviews, and news stories. A member of the University of Pittsburgh English Department since 1968, he has a PhD in English Literature and teaches satire, criticism, August Wilson, and Shakespeare.