August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean

In 1904 Pittsburgh, formerly enslaved woman Aunt Ester holds the African American community together. Aunt Ester is a soul washer, restoring the spiritual balance of troubled individuals. Her powers and community are tested when newcomer Citizen Barlow refuses to accept responsibility for his actions. Part of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, Illinois Theatre’s production is directed by long-time Wilson collaborator Chuck Smith and features a newly choreographed and composed City of Bones section in collaboration with Dance at Illinois.

Contains adult content.

For performances of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, a limited number of open-captioning devices are available for beta testing. If you would like to try this service, please check out a device at the Patron Services desk before the performance. The Patron Services desk is located to the right of the Ticket Office.

This production of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean is made possible with support from the Anda New Works Theatre Production Endowment Fund.