The August Wilson Center for African American Culture and Dollar Bank have announced a five-part celebration of August Wilson's 62nd birthday, April 27.

"August Wilson's Pittsburgh: The Ground on Which He Stood." This nine-minute, large-format video documentary about the playwright's Pittsburgh roots, funded by Dollar Bank and created by Jose Muniain, premiered for an invited audience Friday; its public release is being planned.

August Wilson Essay Contest. High school students from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties were invited to read the Pittsburgh Cycle plays and write their own stories. One $1,000 scholarship winner from each county will be announced on May 11.

"Art for August." Last year's mixed-media exhibit of 13 artists responding to the plays will be re-mounted at the 9th Street Gallery, Downtown, and run May 11-Aug. 31.

Charles Dutton in "Goodnight Mr. Wilson." The actor who was one of the playwright's favorite and most powerful performers presents his one-man show of excerpts at the Byham Theater, May 23; tickets ($25-$50) at 412-456-6666.

1727 Bedford Avenue. In a 10 a.m. ceremony on May 30, a state historical plaque will be unveiled at the playwright's Hill District boyhood home.