With The American Century The Acting Company has undertaken one of the most exciting projects of its nearly thirty year history. Beginning with the 2000-2001 season and continuing through the next five seasons the company will present a new play based on a great work of twentieth century American fiction. These original plays will combine the talents of some of America’s most beloved authors with those of celebrated contemporary dramatists. The series began with an original adaptation of Willa Cather's O Pioneers! and is continued this season with Mark Twain’s Pudd’nhead Wilson, adapted by African-American playwright Charles Smith.  The series will also include a new script adapted from Studs Terkel's American Dreams: Lost and Found, scheduled for the 2002-2003 season and two other original plays to be announced. These thrilling premieres will be joined in touring repertory by a new production of one of Shakespeare’s timeless plays.

The American Century serves a dual purpose: to develop new plays based on great American fiction by commissioning adaptations from some of our best living playwrights, and to present those plays to students all across America during The Acting Company's tour, exposing young minds to both the transforming power of theater and the literary heritage of our last century.

Use the links below to find more information on the plays presented as part of The American Century:

American Century: Part One, O Pioneers!
American Century: Part Two, Pudd’nhead Wilson
American Centuty: Part Three, American Dreams: Lost and Found