Pound, VA – From the author of “The Piano Lesson” and “Fences” comes the story of Memphis Lee, a diner owner in a historically black neighborhood in Pittsburgh at the height of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Lee must decide if he should allow the government to take over his building or sell the property to a ruthless businessman. Full of vivid characters, joy, hope, love, and perseverance, this Tony-nominated play celebrates the spirit, laughter, heart, and resilience of the people who make our country great—even when faced with overwhelming odds.

The Acting Company will perform August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running” in conjunction with Pro-Art’s 48th season on Wednesday, Feb. 26th at 7 p.m. at the Wise County Performing Arts Center at J.W. Adams in Pound. Tickets are $15 at the door. Children and students will be admitted free. For more information and to make reservations visit proartva.org.

Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson authored “Gem of the Ocean,” “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “The Piano Lesson,” “Seven Guitars,” “Fences,” “Two Trains Running,” “Jitney,” “King Hedley II,” and “Radio Golf.” These works explore the heritage and experience of African Americans, decade-by-decade, over the course of the twentieth century. His plays have been performed on Broadway and at regional theaters across the country and all over the world. Mr. Wilson received many fellowships and awards, including Rockefeller and Guggenheim Fellowships in Playwrighting, the Whiting Writers Award, the 2003 Heinz Award, and was awarded a 1999 National Humanities Medal by the President of the United States.

“Two Trains Running” is directed by Lili-Anne Brown (“The Nacirema Society…”, “School Girls, or The African Mean Girls Play” and the world premieres of Ike Holter’s “I Hate It Here” and “Lottery Day”). Brown is a Chicago South Side native who works as a director, actor, and educator, and has performed in, directed, and produced many award-winning shows in Chicago and nationally. She has received a Helen Hayes Award, 5 Jeff Awards, 2 BTA awards and one African American Arts Alliance Award for excellence in directing.

Founded by John Houseman and Margot Harley in 1972, The Acting Company has helped launch the careers of nearly 500 actors, including Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone, Rainn Wilson, Lorraine Toussaint, Frances Conroy, Harriet Harris, Lisa Banes, Jeffrey Wright, Hamish Linklater, Jesse L. Martin, Roslyn Ruff, Jimonn Cole, and Kelley Curran. The Company has performed for over four million people in 48 States, 10 foreign countries, on and Off-Broadway, and at leading resident theaters including The Guthrie and The Kennedy Center. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Kent Gash, Producing Director Devin Brain, and Managing Director Erik Schroeder, the Company brings professional productions and education programs to thousands of audience members in diverse communities throughout the United States each year. Learn more at theactingcompany.org.

Pro-Art’s 48th season is underway! Offering an impressive selection of theater, jazz, and some truly unique performances by storytellers, puppeteers, and even an aerial circus—there’s something for everyone this season and a lot of additional opportunities to be adventurous and try something new. Season tickets can be purchased online, in person at any show, or by calling (276) 376-4520. Explore the season and make reservations to attend at proartva.org.

Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with accessibility needs or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email pro-art@uvawise.edu. For evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for up-to-date information.

Pro-Art is supported in part by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, Mountain Empire Community College, the Columbus Phipps Foundation, and the Lee County Community Foundation.

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[PSA]:  The Acting Company will perform August Wilson’s “Two Trains Running” in conjunction with Pro-Art’s 48th season on Wednesday, Feb. 26th at 7 p.m. at the Wise County Performing Arts Center at J.W. Adams in Pound. Full of vivid characters, joy, hope, love, and perseverance, this Tony-nominated play celebrates the spirit, laughter, heart, and resilience of the people who make our country great—even when faced with overwhelming odds. Tickets are $15 at the door. Children and students will be admitted free. For more information and to make reservations visit proartva.org.