05/23/2026 - 05/31/2026 
SHOW DATES AND TIMES:
Sat. May 23 at 3 pm* + 8 pm | Sun. May 24 at 4 pm
Sat. May 30 at 3 pm + 8 pm | Sun. May 31 at 4 pm* 
$22 | $17: Opening / Closing Special | Group Special (10 or more) 
36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748
Dunbar Repertory Company Presents
Seven Guitars
Written by August Wilson
Directed by Mark Antonio Henderson
SHOW DATES AND TIMES:
Sat, May 23 at 3 + 8 pm
Sun, May 24 at 4 pm
Sat, May 30 at 3 + 8 pm
Sun, May 31 at 4 pm
ALL TICKETS $22
*OPENING / CLOSING SPECIAL | Sat. May 23 at 3 pm + Sun. May 31 at 4 pm: TICKETS $17
GROUP SPECIAL (10 or more) | All Shows: ALL TICKETS $17**
*Call box office at 732.706.4100 to arrange group discounts.
ABOUT SEVEN GUITARS
Seven Guitars is a play by August Wilson set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1948, centered around the life and struggles of the African American community. The narrative begins shortly after the funeral of Floyd Barton, a musician who dreams of success but faces numerous challenges that ultimately lead to his tragic fate. Through a mix of present-day scenes and flashbacks, the play reveals Floyd’s relationships, particularly with Vera, his partner, and Hedley, a mystic grappling with illness. The characters engage in meaningful conversations that reflect their realities, touching on themes of community, aspiration, and the impact of systemic oppression.
The play’s first act is noted for its lyrical quality and humor, while the second act has faced criticism for its rushed resolution. Despite mixed reviews on its structure, Seven Guitars is recognized as part of Wilson’s ten-play cycle that captures the African American experience throughout the twentieth century, earning accolades including a Pulitzer Prize. The work resonates with themes of identity, loss, and the complexities of dreams, making it a significant piece in American theater.
AUGUST WILSON (1945–2005) was a Pulitzer Prize–winning American playwright known for his powerful portrayals of Black life in the 20th century. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he drew deeply from the experiences of the Hill District, where he grew up.
Wilson is best known for his “Pittsburgh Cycle” (or American Century Cycle), a series of ten plays—each set in a different decade—that explore the African American experience, including works like Fences and The Piano Lesson. His writing blends rich, poetic language with themes of identity, race, history, and resilience.
Over his career, Wilson received numerous honors, including two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama, and is widely regarded as one of the most important American playwrights of the 20th century.
ABOUT THE DUNBAR REPERTORY COMPANY
Known to residents of Central New Jersey as “Monmouth County’s African American Theater Company”, Dunbar Repertory Company is committed to its mission of perpetuating an appreciation of cultural diversity and celebrating African American culture through LIVE literary readings, main stage theatrical productions, education programs and services.
NOTE: Tickets are General Admission. Seating is first-come, first-served. If you require accessible seating, please call the Box Office at 732.706.4100 and we will happily accommodate you and reserve your seat!