He seeks refuge and soul cleansing with Aunt Esther and finds a loyal family. Much like Upton Sinclair’s Jurgis, Citizen is tricked at every turn upon arrival in bustling Pittsburgh and he quickly becomes discouraged. The play makes a direct parallel between the American immigrant experience and the post-slavery African American experience. Wilson follows Citizen’s journey from Reconstruction-era Alabama to Free North Pittsburgh. Romantic tension blossoms between Citizen and Aunt Esther’s housemaid Black Mary (Sydney Charles). The play centers around mystic Aunt Esther (Lisa Gaye Dixon) and a mysterious drifter named Citizen (Sharif Atkins). “Gem of the Ocean” captures the African American experience in the first decade of the 20 th Century. Since 2005, Chuck Smith has produced two August Wilson festivals. Revival director Chuck Smith served as the dramaturg on the original production of “Gem of the Ocean” but formed a working friendship long before then. Goodman has produced each of Wilson’s ten plays at least once, with some making their world premiere.ĭespite being a native of Pittsburgh, where his plays are set, August Wilson had a unique relationship with Chicago. This play was originally produced at Goodman Theatre in 2003. Goodman Theatre’s aptly titled season, Homecoming, kicks off with a revival of August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean.” Written just a few years before his death, “Gem of the Ocean” is the first chapter of Wilson’s 10-play 20 th Century “Cycle”.
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