August Wilson’s ‘Gem Of The Ocean’ To Show In Marietta

“Gem of the Ocean” is a play by American playwright August Wilson. It is the first installment of his ten-play chronicle, The Pittsburgh Cycle, a series that charts the African-American experience in the 20th century.

The play follows Aunt Ester, a 285-year-old former slave, who has mystical powers to cleanse the souls of those who visit her. “Aunt Ester is the living embodiment of African-Americans who arrived here (America), with the beginning of slavery until now. She has a spiritual quality to her because she not only remembers the history as a griot, but she also does some spiritual priest-work,” said director Amina McIntyre.

Synopsis of the play: After a horrific incident involving an wrongly accused African-American man, Aunt Ester allows Citizen Barlow, a newcomer in town, to see the past of their ancestors. In this spiritual dream, he boards the slave ship, “Gem of the Ocean,” and understands the stories of his African-American ancestors. This spiritual experience helps him face the truth of his wrongdoing.

New African Grove Theatre is presenting “Gem of the Ocean” at Marietta’s Theatre in the Square this weekend only.