Gem of the Ocean

August Wilson's "Century Cycle" is a serial of 10 plays, each set in a different decade of the 20th century, each addressing the historical challenges African-Americans faced at that time, as well as speaking to the wider problems and issues that tie us together as humanity. The first play in the Cycle, _Gem of the Ocean_, is set in Pittsburgh in 1904. The primary players are Aunt Esther, a "soul-cleanser", Solly Two Kings, a former conductor on the underground railroad, and Citizen Barlow, a young man newly arrived up north from Alabama. As with many of Wilson's plays, the connection between past and present is of primary importance - in _Gem of the Ocean_, Barlow seeks to have his soul cleansed for a crime he has committed.In "cleaning his soul," Esther takes Barlow (and the audience) on a spiritual journey aboard a slave ship, the "Gem of the Ocean," helping Barlow (and the audience) understand the journey that African-Americans have been on, and which we Americans (black and white) are still on. Rather than blame or preach about the evils of slavery and how it has affected African-Americans, Wilson instead asks us to pause, think and reflect on the injustices we have done and which have been done to us - and he asks us how we can make these transgressions right.I have not yet had the opportunity to see the play performed, although I hope to soon; the play itself is an easy read (just under 90 pages), but a masterpiece writen by an author at the peak of his craft. Highly recommended.

This is the play about the first decade of The Century Cycle. 1904 is its time, so several of the characters are ex-slaves including Aunt Esther who was born in 1619, the year the first slaves came to America; this very old woman is a soul-cleanser. Citizen Barlow comes from Alabama for cleansing. Caesar Wilks is an enforcer for the white establishment. Solly Two Kings used to help on the underground railroad. Aunt Esther takes Citizen Barlow on a spiritual ride to the "City of Bones." The people in the house dance and play juba and sing ring-shout songs, hangovers from slavery. However, Caesar is there to crush any displays of resistance to to the established order and carry out the tragic ending.A brilliant start for the ten-play cycle depicting the African-American adventure in the United States. All ten plays were nominated for at least one drama award (this one for a Tony). Most were nominated for at least three awards. Eight won at least one of the awards. Eight won a New York Drama Critics Circle Award for best play. One won a Drama Desk Award for best play. One won a Tony for best play. Two won a Pulitzer Prize for best drama. August Wilson is one of the top five American playwrights of the 20th century.

I purchased Gem of the Ocean for one of my classes. I absolutely love it. My teenage daughter is reading it now.

Some of the content is out of my comfort zone but great play nonetheless!

I'm a huge August Wilson fan. This is the fourth play (Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Gem of the Ocean, and Fences) I've read in this 10-play cycle. I've also seen the live production of four (The Piano Lesson, Jitney, King Hedley II, and Fences). I look forward to either reading or seeing the live production of the other three (Seven Guitars, Two Trains Running, and Radio Golf). Gem of the Ocean is truly a jewel. I'm enjoying reading it.

August Wilson has an awesome play here with lots of Biblical and other references. The characters drive the play with little stage direction, creating a character driven narrative that makes for a fun and exciting read.

Possibly Wilson's most comprehensive expression of his vision. Wilson was a genius, an extraordinary playwright and myth maker. Review his life story if you wish to learn what "self made" really means. I have seen several of his plays produced at the Court Theater at the University of Chicago. A remarkable window into African American life. Thank you for the gift of your art, August Wilson

Great quality