August Wilson's Jitney

Performances February 13-15, 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. & February 23 at 2:00 p.m.

Regular taxi cabs will not travel to the Pittsburgh Hill District of the 1970s, and so the residents turn to jitneys—unofficial, unlicensed taxi cabs—that operate in the community. Jitney portrays the lives of the drivers at the station owned by Jim Becker. 

This compelling play is rich with themes of family conflict, the lingering effects of the Vietnam War, battles with addiction and the pervasive presence of racism. It explores the intricate dynamics between fathers and sons, the shadows cast by war and the relentless fight against societal and personal demons.

AFTA is committed to producing the entire American Century Cycle by August Wilson, and while they have moved on, the Alliance for the Arts is honored to follow through with the production of Jitney this year. Jitney marks the eighth play in the cycle and the seventh performance of the ten at AFTA.

Sunday, February 23 will feature a Talk Back immediately following the matinee performance.

The Cast:

Jim Becker: Cicero McCarter

Doub: Elvis Mortley

Fielding: Lemec Bernard

Turnbo: Shontae Khaleel White

Youngblood: Zachariah White

Rena: Simone Farrell

Shealy: Reuben Morgan

Philmore: Jeffery T. Roberts

Booster: Ty Davis