August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean at Fountain Theatre

Fountain Theatre (Los Angeles, CA)

Rated 3.3 by 54 members who went.

Roar Gem-of-the-ocean-solly-cropped
Full Price:
$25.00 - $28.00
Our Price:
$12.50 - $14.00

Fountain Theatre presents Gem of the Ocean, one of August Wilson's most celebrated works. Set in Pittsburgh in 1904, it tells the story of Citizen Barlow, who seeks the aid of the legendary healer Aunt Ester to cleanse him of his guilt.

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A soul's journey to freedom. The power of redemption. Pittsburgh, 1904. Citizen Barlow, a tormented young man, appears at the home of Aunt Ester, a legendary 285-year-old healer and "soul cleanser." She sends him on an unforgettable journey in search of healing, love and hope for a new life.  

One of playwright August Wilson's masterpieces (''Best Play'' Tony nomination) from the acclaimed Fountain Theatre that presented the award-winning ''Joe Turner's Come and Gone''.

''Gem of the Ocean'' is the play that begins August Wilson's decade-by-decade cycle dramatizing the African American experience during the 20th century-an unprecedented series of 10 plays (2 Pulitzer Prize winners).

1904, Pittsburgh. Slavery is still a living memory. The haunting tale of Citizen Barlow, a spiritually tormented young man who pays a visit to the home of Aunt Ester, a former slave, on the eve of her 287th birthday. Citizen needs Aunt Ester, a legendary healer and ''soul-cleanser'', to help absolve him of the guilt and shame for an act he's committed. He asks if she can wash his soul and start him on the road to redemption. She sends him on a magical spiritual journey across history and time aboard the legendary slave ship, Gem of the Ocean, to the  mythic City of Bones, which leads to startling discoveries and sets him on a course where duty leads to redemption.

The people who pass through Aunt Esther's house are an unforgettable collection of emotionally rich, compelling, and endearing characters. Her home teems with activity, a sanctuary where troubled people come to be cleansed of guilt and sorrow as they endure harsh factory working conditions and an inhospitable city.

Event highlights

  • "Ben Bradley's vibrant production of August Wilson's drama set in 1904 features some strong performances and confident storytelling. Heart, bustle and sweat!"--Los Angeles Times
  • "Excellent! A surefire crowd pleaser."--Variety
  • "One of the great achievements in dramatic literature."--LA Weekly
  • "A Spectacular production!"--SoCal.com
  • A Gem of a play!"--Park LaBrea News
  • The acting is superb!"--Beverly Press
  • A must-see! Excellent cast! A really great evening of theatre!"--Buzzine
  • "Powerful!"--L.A. Watts Times

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