Two Trains Running

Research the Black Power movement and what was happening in 1969. How does the play comment on the movement? What do you think the play asks its original audiences (in 1990) to do?

Read Gem of the Ocean, which is Wilson’s play for the first decade of the 20th century, focused on Aunt Ester. What do you think is the truth about Aunt Ester? How does this shape the rules of the world of the play? Use evidence from both texts.

Imagine that you are producing Two Trains Running today. What elements and issues in the play do you think would still be relevant to a contemporary audience? What do you think might not land or make sense? Be specific.

Who do you think is the protagonist, Memphis or Sterling? Why? Based on your choice, who is the antagonist?

Wilson’s plays tend to involve some sort of mysticism or spirituality that can be either played as fully real or not. Where does the spirituality occur in this play? In what way does the playwright leave it open to interpretation in terms of validity?

Look through the text and take note of how different characters react to the idea of throwing money in the river. What does this say about those characters? Use evidence from the play.

Choose one character who you find compelling. How would you continue their story after the play ends? Why do you think their story will go that way? Support your ideas with evidence from the play.

The numbers lottery is a significant image throughout the play. First, research the history of the numbers game. Then, explain why you think it’s so important in the play. What does it mean to the different characters?