Gem of The Ocean is the first instalment of August Wilson's ten-play chronicle The Pittsburgh Cycle. The completed cycle dramatizes the experience of African-Americans in each decade of the 20th century.
Aunt Esther has lived through generations of slavery and oppression – she's 287 years old. Now it's 1904, and the fiery matriarch welcomes a young man with a troubled past into her house of ghosts and Civil War soldiers. Citizen Barlow thinks he's beyond salvation, but Aunt Esther's not too old for healing. And the soaring, lyrical journey the two take on the Gem of The Ocean ship must confront a history of darkness before emerging into the light.
Featuring an innovative stage set by David Gallo, this thought-provoking play is the last of Wilson's phenomenally successful career. Gem of the Ocean is a celebration of freedom that’s guaranteed to strike a chord with audience members of all backgrounds.
Gem of the Ocean opened on Broadway in 2004. The show received five Tony Award nominations, including 'Best Play' and 'Best Scenic Design of a Play'.