The Cast Photo by Marc J. Franklin

Gem of the Ocean first appeared at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in 2003. Wilson wrote the play late in his life; he passed away in 2005. The action takes place in the Hill District of Pittsburgh in the home of the aged Aunt Ester Tyler (Denise Burse). She evidently has, for many years, taken in people who are in need. Her house is a sanctuary and she runs it with a firm hand. Eli (Thomas Silcott) is her protector, while Black Mary (Grace Porter) is a housekeeper and cook. Terrence Riggins plays Aunt Ester's friend Solly Two Kings, and Caesar Wilks (Bjorn DuPaty), Black Mary's brother, is a constable. Rutherford Selig (Mike Boland) is a peddler on stage briefly while Citizen Barlow (Matthew Elam) is a focal point of Wilson's plot and theme. Barlow hopes Aunt Ester can cleanse his soul since he has heard that she has spiritual powers. He is anxious about his own existence and soul.

Just before intermission, we learn that the steel mill is on fire. During the second act, a belligerent Caesar comes to Aunt Ester's whereupon Solly utilizes his walking stick to slam Caesar in the knee which temporarily disables him. When Caesar recovers, he sets out to find Solly and then shoots the man. Solly was once a slave and is known to have to be of great service to people within his community. Previously, he was also a conductor the underground railroad and he has adored Aunt Ester.

Caesar, from his first appearance and throughout, is hot-headed and ready to explode. This is evident during a solo sequence as actor Matthew Elam takes the spotlight with an aggressive, dynamic delivery which fuels a red-hot, dazzling acting sequence. Caesar urges that people respect the law and his fury is unrestrained.

For his part, Citizen Barlow is haunted by his cowardice and deception. Aunt Ester originally took a liking to him because he reminded her of her husband. Somewhere during the second portion of the production, she hands Citizen a paper boat which symbolizes a larger Gem of the Ocean boat. This could take him, with Aunt Ester's direction, to the City of Bones. It is there that Citizen might learn about oppression and even of his own spiritual past.

August Wilson's plays are challenging, and live performance animates his words. The playwright's ability to write realistic dialogue remains unsurpassed. Hence, it is not surprising that during the lengthy first act, he is expository with the introduction of characters. Director Barboza and the ensemble group of performers speak both to the audience and to themselves.

On opening night, DuPaty's performance as Caesar Wils drew deserved applause during a solo speech. Terrence Riggins' Solly Two Kings draws sympathy even before his confrontation with Caesar. One understands that Solly has been a champion of the oppressed for many years.

Black Mary, at first, seems to be a part of the household but we later find her to be contemplative and strong. Grace Porter builds her character to a crescendo.

Within the scope of the smashing Long Wharf rendering, Denise Burse, playing Aunt Ester, is quite competent and somewhat subdued. This could be actor or director or a combined actor/director choice. In any case, the performers and creatives involved with this depiction present an absolute jewel of a show: call it a gem. August Wilson's work remains thrilling to behold.

Long Wharf Theatre's Gem of the Ocean rums through March 15, 2026, at the Canal Dock Boathouse, 475 Long Wharf Dr., New Haven CT. For tickets and information, please call 203-693-1486 or visit longwharf.org.