August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean

A theatre production of August Wilson's play Gem of the Ocean, staged at the Young Vic in London. It is part of the Young Vic's programme of theatre shows.

Gem of the Ocean is the first play in August Wilson's cycle of ten plays chronicling the African American experience across the twentieth century, and this production presents it on the Young Vic stage in London. The play is set in Pittsburgh in 1904 and follows Aunt Ester, a figure of spiritual authority, and a young man who arrives at her house seeking to cleanse his soul. It is a drama of spoken text and ensemble staging rather than a comedy or a musical.

The Young Vic is a theatre in London that hosts a varied programme of theatre shows, and the production is performed on its stage. The cast is listed on the page, and the production is presented as a single staging on this visit to London.

The piece suits audiences interested in new American writing for the stage and in serious, dialogue-driven drama. Its subject matter, including slavery's legacy and questions of community and memory, makes it a play for an adult audience.