We were at Trinity Rep when they presented August Wilson’s classic American drama, “Fences” to a 1992 audience.

We watched the movie starring Rhode Island’s own Viola Davis as Rose.

And we were there last week when Trinity revisited the gut-wrenching, hard-hitting American classic.

All three were worthy representatives of the American Theatre.

Directed by Christopher Windom, Trinity’s 2024 version has a strong cast, with Jackie Davis leading the way as Rose, the patient, loving wife of Troy (Kelvin Roston, Jr.) the ex-Negro league ball player who supports his family as a sanitation worker in Pittsburgh back in 1957.

Troy spends most of the first act telling tall tales about his past, with his best friend Bono (Dereks Thomas) listening patiently, and refusing to give his older son any money.

Troy is a strong-willed, pig-headed tyrant when it comes to controlling his wife and son, Cory (Nicholas Byers).

Cory wants to play football. Troy wants him to help build a fence, to do his chores and work at the A & P. He turns away a college recruiter and smashes his son’s dreams.

While the first act is a bit wordy, it sets up the confrontation of the family members for an emotional roller coaster second act.

Troy crosses the line with Rose when he reveals an indiscretion that will change their lives forever. It will also push Rose to her limits.

My one problem with the production is the decision to make the set simplistic, modernistic, and whitewashed. Admittedly, it does put the focus on the characters, but it takes away from the realism of their place in society during fifties.

Rodney Witherspoon II as Troy’s older son and Martinez Napolean as Troy’s mentally handicapped relative both give strong support to the play.

If you have never seen “Fences,” where have you been?

If you have, it is well worth your time to see Trinity’s latest version.

At Trinity Rep through April 28. Call 351-4242 for reservations.