August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean -- on location

Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company in association with August Wilson House present August Wilson’s classic Gem of the Ocean at Aunt Ester’s home, outside at 1839 Wylie Avenue in the historic Hill District.

August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean features the potent power of Aunt Ester, Wilson’s gatekeeper to spiritual matters, and the hearts of the Hill residents she loves.

When Aunt Ester opens her home to the troubled Citizen Barlow, a recent migrant from the rural South, a battle ensues not only within Citizen, who begs Aunt Ester to “wash his soul,” but also between Citizen and Caesar Wilks, a stern man of the law, threatened by Citizen’s independence and defiance of his authority. As Solly Two Kings becomes a mentor for Citizen and a model of a man, bound by nothing but freedom, Citizen must choose a past steeped in fear, or a future made glorious with destiny and purpose.

We will perform August Wilson’s masterwork outdoors at the actual location given in the play for 285-year-old Aunt Ester’s home, 1839 Wylie Avenue.

“Gem of the Ocean is one of my favorite Wilson plays,” said Mark Clayton Southers, Founder & Producing Artistic Director of Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company. “We’re delighted that the Jeron X. Grayson Community Center has granted us this opportunity to perform on theatrical holy ground. Our all-woman production and design crew as well as our very talented cast are excited to help bring Mr. Wilson’s work to life for your viewing pleasure. We hope you can make it to 1839 Wylie and live inside of Aunt Ester’s house with us all!”

Gem of the Ocean is directed by Andrea Frye. The cast includes Chrystal Bates, Jonathan Berry, Kevin Brown, Leslie Howard, Wali Jamal, Marcus Muzapoppa and Candace Walker.

Gem of the Ocean performances are 7:30 p.m. (no matinees), Friday through Monday; previews are August 16-23. Opening night is August 24. Tickets are $37.50, discounts are available for groups of ten or more (call 412-377-7803). Tickets are available at www.pghplaywrights.org. Monday performances are Community nights with $18.39 tickets, sponsored by Dollar Bank.

Support for our 2019-2020 season is provided by The Pittsburgh Foundation, Regional Asset District, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, Richard King Mellon Foundation, The Opportunity Fund, and Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh Fund. Additional support for this production was provided by August Wilson House and Dollar Bank.