Derrick Lee Weeden Brings Troy Maxson to Life | San Jose News

San Jose News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 5, 2026 · 2m

Derrick Lee Weeden brings raw, soulful power to Troy Maxson in Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s historic debut of August Wilson’s Pulitzer-winning “Fences,” the first play by Wilson ever staged at the festival. Known for commanding Shakespearean roles like King Lear and Othello, Weeden now channels the blues-infused rhythm and emotional weight of a character forged in 1957 America — a man haunted by unfulfilled dreams and the burden of providing for his family. This production marks a cultural milestone, honoring Wilson’s Century Cycle as a vital mirror to Black American history, while Weeden draws…