Cast soars in the first of August Wilson’s ‘American Century Cycle’
In the orbit of American theatrical importance, playwright August Wilson is one of the leaders of the pack. Having scripted 10 plays spanning the 20th century and defining the Black experience in America, 2005’s Gem of the Ocean is the chronological first in the series. Aurora Fox produces it with the commitment to present the remaining nine plays over the next decade.
This production, directed with maximum force by donnie l. betts, addresses themes of spirituality, tradition and healing.
Set in Pittsburgh in 1904, Gem of the Ocean takes place in the home of Aunt Ester (Lisa Young), who claims to be a 285-year-old former slave who is now a matriarchal figure and community spiritual leader.
We are introduced to young Citizen Barlow (Steffen Beal), from Alabama and now in Pittsburg, seeking a better life, who has sought out Aunt Ester in hopes of spiritual cleansing. Initially turned away by Eli (Chaz Grundy), Aunt Ester’s caregiver, Barlow is told to return on Tuesday for his audience with her. Assisting Aunt Ester is Black Mary (Faith Goins-Simmons), her housekeeper and paranormal protege.
Faith Goins-Simmons as Black Mary | Photo: Gail Marie Bransteitter
Aunt Ester’s home is filled with essential characters who are part of her immediate cluster, including her dear friend Solly Two Kings (Cris Davenport), who (literally) sells dog shit for personal and professional use and is madly in love with her. Also included are Caesar (Abner Genece), Aunt Ester’s brother and local cop who takes extreme measures to uphold the law and barely thinks of anyone but himself. As the story unfolds, Rutherford Selig (Joshua Levy), a peddler and a welcome guest, stops by to sell his wares to Black Mary.
As per Citizen Barlow’s desire, Aunt Ester symbolically sends him aboard the boat “Gem of the Ocean” to the mythical “City of Bones,” located mid-ocean, erected with the bones of slaves who never reached their destination. Here, Citizen Barlow will launch a transformative journey confronting his life as a Black man and all his emotional intricacies. As a result, he finds redemption and self-awareness that he did not have before.
During the play, a fire at the mill next to the house appears to have been set on purpose, perhaps by Solly, whom Caesar intends to capture under any circumstances.
Wilson writes about what he knows. Having grown up in Pittsburgh on the so-called “Hill,” nine of his 10 so-called cycle plays are set in this location, providing an authentic bent to his writing.
(L-R) Cris Davenport and Abner Genece | Photo: Gail Marie Bransteitter
Tough but satisfying
Gem of the Ocean is arduous, but this production is most satisfying and transportive. As directed by betts, the action moves appropriately, allowing all the nuances to surface regarding a place and time not often explored. The brilliance of this production stems from a timelessness infused by the author and executed by the director.
Aunt Ester, played by Young, is the central character around whom the action swirls. Young is nothing less than mesmerizing as Aunt Ester, guiding Citizen Barlow through his transformation. Her performance has an ethereal quality that is impossible to pinpoint.
As Citizen Barlow, Beal gives an unparalleled performance, hitting every beat as a young man seeking a different life. Beal’s understated performance is one of the strongest this season.
The entire ensemble meets the challenges Wilson’s play sets in front of them. They are a group of supremely gifted actors who have taken this journey, offering meaningful and well-defined characters. They all deserve a shout-out for their ability to bring Wilson’s radiant people to life.
As the inaugural play in the series, Gem of the Ocean is a must-see this season. If this production foreshadows what is to come with the ensuing lineup of August Wilson’s remaining nine plays, we will all be in for a tremendous journey through Wilson’s canon over the next decade.
Eric Fitzgerald started producing plays when he was 5 years old. He spent eight years in New York City as a talent agent representing well-known actors and actresses. Fitzgerald also worked for the ABC Television Network for 12 years both with ABC News and ABC Daytime. He lives in Aurora with his cat Max.
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