I found August Wilson's 1996 address to be powerful and innovative. His opinion of color blind casting completely reformed my concept of it. Color blind casting, with out deeper examination, seems to be a practice in place to ensure equal opportunities to actors of color. But Wilson's proclamation that " We want you to see us. We are black and beautiful" condemns the idea that color blind casting is an extension of equality, and asserts that it attempts to assimilate black people into white culture because blackness is some kind of undesirable quality.

The other part of Wilson's speech I found to be the most powerful was his statement that "The history of our bodies... is not for rent". It is an interesting way to look at the tradition of the telling of black history in America. Where is the line drawn between historical retelling and increasing awareness of the African struggle in America and the use of that struggle for dramatic/entertainment purposes. I hate to think that the marginalization of the African race is told through the theatre to engage audiences and win Tony's. But I can understand why Wilson would feel this way, especially if it is a story that is told by white actors and white directors who have no personal investment in the historical significance.

The historical marginalization of African Americans in America is what makes Wilson's story different than Arthur Miller's death of a salesman. I thought it was especially interesting to read Top Girls right after reading Wilson's play and speech. Although it deals with completely different time periods and a completely different struggle, I found the women's struggle to be so similar to Troy's and his family. Both plays examined how social roles and cultural mores change an individuals life course and make many things out of one's own control.