The Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company in association with the August Wilson House present
GEM OF THE OCEAN
By August Wilson
Directed by Andrea Frye
Previews August 16th – 19th & 23rd
Opens Saturday August 24th
Presented outdoors at 1839 Wylie Ave. in Pittsburgh’s 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 at 1839 Wylie Avenue 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 Wilkes, 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 287-year-old Aust Ester’s home, 1839 Wylie Avenue.
Preview: Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company is committed to developing and showcasing the works of local playwrights; from accomplished masters like August Wilson and George S. Kaufman to promising new talents.
Our productions are also supported by:
And by:
Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh Fund
Gem of the Ocean artwork by Darnell Chambers
*Appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association