Radio Golf

Radio Golf, by August Wilson, is the final instalment in his renowned 10-play Century Cycle, which chronicles the African American experience throughout the 20th century, with each play set in a different decade. This piece, written in 2005 and first performed at Yale Repertory Theatre, takes place in the 1990s and is Wilson’s last work.

Set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Radio Golf follows Harmond Wilks, a successful African American real estate developer with aspirations of becoming the city’s first Black mayor. The narrative explores the tensions between preserving cultural heritage and pursuing economic development as Wilks plans to demolish a historic home to build new apartments. The play explores themes of identity, legacy, and the ethical dilemmas tied to urban redevelopment, presenting a complex view of what it means to be successful and socially responsible in modern America.

The play premiered on Broadway at the Cort Theatre on May 8, 2007, earning the 2007 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play and several other nominations.

Content Warning: The play addresses racism.

Plot Summary

Radio Golf opens in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, a historically African American neighborhood now in decline. Harmond Wilks is preparing to announce his candidacy for mayor while spearheading the Bedford Hills Redevelopment Project, a multimillion-dollar plan to replace old buildings with a new apartment complex and chain stores like Whole Foods and Starbucks. Working with him are his wife, Mame, and his business partner and friend, Roosevelt Hicks, a golf enthusiast and banker. Harmond sees the project as a way to revitalize the neighborhood and make a difference.

Complications arise when they learn about 1839 Wylie Avenue, an old house scheduled for demolition as part of the redevelopment plan. A man named Elder Joseph Barlow, or Old Joe, is painting the house, claiming ownership and planning to move his daughter into it. Harmond and Roosevelt insist that the house has been abandoned for over a decade and is now property of the Bedford Hills development corporation. They threaten to involve the police if Joe continues painting.

Meanwhile, Sterling Johnson, an old classmate of Harmond’s, comes looking for work in construction. Sterling is skeptical of the redevelopment plan, but he agrees to fix up Harmond’s campaign office.

Roosevelt tells Harmond that Bernie Smith, a wealthy contact, has invited him to play golf. Harmond cautions Roosevelt about Bernie’s legal troubles, but Roosevelt views it as a sign of success. Later, Roosevelt shares that Bernie wants him to partner in buying a radio station, WBTZ. When Harmond questions why Bernie would include him, Roosevelt explains that they can purchase the station below market value by using a minority tax incentive. Harmond worries that Roosevelt is being used as a token Black figure in the deal, but Roosevelt sees the opportunity as a chance to gain influence. Feeling emboldened by this development, Roosevelt quits his job as vice president of Mellon Bank.

Joe returns to the office to inform Harmond that he went to the courthouse to investigate the deed for 1839 Wylie Avenue. He was told he lost the house because he didn’t pay taxes. He explains that his mother never paid taxes, as someone else covered them, and that he never received notice the house would be confiscated. Harmond tells Joe that a notice should have been posted in the newspaper and promises to look into the matter. Harmond later learns that the acquisition of 1839 Wylie was illegal because the required auction notice was never published. This leaves Harmond conflicted. When he tells Roosevelt, Roosevelt dismisses the issue as a minor technicality. Harmond, however, disagrees, arguing that it is a significant injustice and that Joe deserves compensation.

Sterling is outraged when he learns that 1839 Wylie Avenue is set for demolition. He recognizes the house as the former home of Aunt Ester, an old woman who mentored him as a child. Sterling views the destruction of the house as an injustice, comparing it to the displacement of Indigenous people. He confronts Roosevelt and Harmond and warns them to stay away from Joe’s house.

Harmond offers Joe $10,000 as compensation for the house, explaining the legal error. However, Joe refuses the money. Harmond later learns that Joe’s mother, Ester Tyler (also known as Black Mary or Aunt Ester), was Harmond’s grandfather’s sister, making them family. For this reason, Harmond’s father was covering the house’s taxes when he was alive. Harmond decides to save the house. He proposes a revised redevelopment plan that incorporates 1839 Wylie Avenue into the project, building around it rather than demolishing it.

Roosevelt is infuriated, arguing that saving the house will jeopardize their contracts with corporations like Whole Foods, Starbucks, and Barnes & Noble. Mame also pressures Harmond to reconsider, but he decides to file an injunction to halt the demolition. Mama warns him that his choice could destroy his career, reputation, and political future. The injunction is granted, but it costs Harmond dearly: Mame loses a prestigious job opportunity, and Harmond’s political aspirations crumble. Reflecting on the sacrifices she has made for Harmond, Mame decides to focus on her own needs. Harmond tears up his campaign poster.

Roosevelt informs Harmond that the judge has overturned the injunction, allowing the demolition to proceed. Bulldozers are already at the site, ready to destroy the house. Harmond protests, but Roosevelt explains that a single house cannot be allowed to derail a multimillion-dollar redevelopment project. Roosevelt then reveals his plan to use Bernie’s money to force Harmond into a buyout. Shocked, Harmond confronts Roosevelt. The play concludes with Harmond picking up a paintbrush and leaving the office to go fight for the 1839 Wylie house.