August Wilson is considered to be one of our greatest playwrights. Although he wrote a series of award-winning plays about a Black community in his home town of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, his works pertain to all members of society.
Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean,” is presented by Long Wharf Theatre at Yale’s Boat House and Museum in New Haven. The title has several, underlying meanings related to water, and the building’s wrap-around windows which overlook Long Island Sound serve as a natural backdrop to Omid Akbari’s warm, indoor setting.
Dynamically directed by Cheyenne Barboza, this unusual play
might be considered an allegory based on Black History and the Old and New Testaments. Therefore, you may be at a disadvantage if not familiar with the names or spiritual events contained therein. Never the less, under Barboza’s sensitive skill and his creative, team of technicians, you can easily follow the eternal plight of Mankind and the lessons to be learned today.
The actors are polished professionals with a long list of credits. You will be impressed by Denise Burse’s interpretation of “Aunt Ester” (the biblical queen) and her soul-searching entourage: Grace Porter (Black Mary), Mathew Elam (Citizen Barlow), Bjorn Dupaty (Caesar Wilks), Mike Boland (Rutherford Selig), Terrene Riggins (Solly Two Kings) and Thomas Silcott (Eli).
No doubt, this will be one of the top plays of the season.
