August Wilson: 'I thought I'd be the manager of a grocery store'

My first job was working in a men's clothing store: I was a human elevator. The tailor shop was located on the third floor and my job consisted of running up and down the stairs carrying clothing back and forth. I saw myself becoming an architect with sufficient insight to put the tailor shop on the first floor of the store. In all honesty, what I really saw myself doing was being the manager of an A&P grocery store.

Without question, the South is our ancestral homeland here in America and the place where we have the deepest roots, and I still think a return to the South would be productive and spiritually rewarding. However, I think the only thing that would make black Americans happier is if we have meaningful jobs and were able to participate in the society in a way that allows us to take full advantage of our talents and abilities.

I used to have a punching bag hanging in my basement. However, since I last knocked it down, I haven't, as yet, hung it back up.

None of the above. I certainly feel secure enough in my art not to allow another vision to distract me. Should I go to the theatre, I would, however, look to them to influence and inspire and to possibly push my work in another direction. I don't go to the theatre because the fact is I simply like to stay home.

It doesn't trouble me. Muhammad Ali is so much bigger than life, like Alexander the Great or Napoleon, that anyone, including the Chinese, can make a telling film about him. I wouldn't, however, want to trust the Chinese or Michael Mann's vision of the Hill District of Pittsburgh.

Perseverance, tenacity, and a fierce and uncompromising will are among the qualities and attributes that I admire in men like Sonny Liston and Fidel Castro.