CLOSED - Gem of the Ocean

Written by August Wilson · Performance: January 13, 2020

Set in 1904, August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean begins on the eve of Auth Esther’s 287th birthday. When Citizen Barlow comes to her Pittsburgh’s Hill District home seeking asylum, she sets him off on a spiritual journey to find a city in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Gem of the Ocean is the ninth work of Wilson’s ten-play cycle that has recorded the American Black experience and helped to define generations.

Drama, 5m, 2f. Duration: 120 minutes.

Eli

Aunt Esther’s gatekeeper and longtime friend of Solly.

Black Mary

Aunt Esther’s protege and housekeeper. Late twenties.

Citizen Barlow

A young man from Alabama who is in spiritual turmoil. Late twenties/early thirties.

Aunt Esther Tyler

A very old, yet vital spiritual advisor for the community.

Solly Two Kings

Suitor to Aunt Esther, former Underground Railroad conductor. Sixty-seven.

Rutherford Selig

A traveling peddler who is a frequent visitor of the house.

Caesar Wilks

Black Mary’s brother and local constable. About fifty-two.

“August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean” is presented in special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. For more information on this production, please click here.