Prime Stage’s Has ‘How I Learned What I Learned’ at New Hazlett; Martin Luther King Tribute at Kelly Strayhorn Theater (Mon., 1/20/25)

HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED by August Wilson, with Todd Kriedler. Presented by Prime Stage Theatre. January 20 only, 7 p.m.

Wali Jamal.

1) Unlike the plays in August Wilson’s renowned Pittsburgh Cycle, How I Learned What I Learned is a one-man show full of tales from Wilson’s life. The late playwright was known as a world-class talker who could keep people spellbound for hours with stories of things he’d seen and done. So, after years of toying with the idea, he teamed with friend and dramaturg Todd Kriedler to write a stage show from the material. Wilson himself performed the play only once, for a benefit event in 2003. He hoped it would become a piece acted by others, but after his death in 2005 the script lay dormant for nearly a decade until revivals began—notably, at Pittsburgh Public Theater in 2015, with Eugene Lee as Wilson. Now Prime Stage Theatre hosts a one-night special: a production of How I Learned starring Wali Jamal Abdullah. He’s believed to be the only actor who has performed in all 10 Pittsburgh Cycle plays along with this one, thus having covered Wilson’s entire oeuvre. Here is a chance to see a rare August Wilson gem done by a master.  How I Learned What I Learned goes live at 7 p.m. in the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East, North Side. (M.V.) 

2) The Kelly Stryahorn Theater is celebrating the life, legacy, and activism of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through their annual MLK community event. The theater’s lobby will feature community partners. They will pay tribute to the civil rights legacy of Dr. King and Pittsburgh activists past and present. There will also be performances from Hill Dance Academy Theatre faculty, Guardians of Sound’s Hip Hop Orchestra, and students from Los Sabrosos Dance Company ( 1 – 4 p.m.). Bearing Life: A Dance Play on Black Women’s Reproductive Health, choreographed by Rickia Davenport, featuring Alumni Theater Company’s Professional Ensemble members will be staged (2 – 3 p.m.). And Let Freedom Sing: Celebrating Social Justice in Song will follow at 7:30 p.m. Admission charge is Pay What Moves You ($2 to $50). 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty.

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