A conversation: Pittsburgh actor Wali Jamal appeared in all of August Wilson’s plays

Paul Guggenheimer
Tuesday, March 5, 2019 6:00 a.m. | Tuesday, March 5, 2019 6:00 a.m.

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Sean Stipp | Tribune-Review

Actor and playwright Wali Jamal stands for a portrait at the Trust Arts Education Center on Feb. 27, 2019. Actor and playwright Wali Jamal stands for a portrait at the Trust Arts Education Center on Feb. 27, 2019.

One of the most compelling stories within the Pittsburgh arts scene belongs to actor Wali Jamal.

He is the only actor in the world to have appeared in all 11 of August Wilson’s plays, the 10-play Pittsburgh cycle and the autobiographical solo show “How I Learned what I Learned.”

Jamal is a prolific actor who has appeared on just about every stage in the city.

He is currently starring in the world premiere of “Savior Samuel” for Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company. The play was written by Mark Clayton Southers and directed by Monteze Freeland.

In a recent interview with Jamal, he discussed his childhood, growing up in the old St. Clair Village public housing project, how he became interested in acting. He also talked about what makes an August Wilson play such a unique and challenging experience for an actor, and what it’s like to work with a deaf actress.

Check out the video.