Red Bank’s Two River Theater is hosting its final performances of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean plays this weekend, Friday, June 28, through Sunday, June 30.
In Two River’s seventh production of Wilson’s Century Cycle—10 plays, each exploring a different decade of African American life in the 20th century—Gem of the Ocean is the first installment of the sequence, taking place in 1904. Like all but one play in the series, it’s set in a fictional black neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The story centers on the local matriarch and spiritual leader, Aunt Ester, who is said to be 285 years old with powers to heal souls. In a community made up of former slaves and their descendants who migrated north in the hopes of a better life, Aunt Ester is a living ancestor who can offer salvation and absolution. As a new Southern transplant seeks her advice and protection for his sins, the unfolding story explores themes of identity, freedom, reckoning with the past, and transcendence into a spiritual realm.
Stephanie Berry as Aunt Ester, the sage matriarch, who also appears in several other August Wilson plays. Photo: T. Charles Erickson
Theater veterans in Two River’s production include Brandon Dirden, a West Orange resident, and his real-life wife, Crystal Dickinson. Dirden made his directorial debut at Two River in 2015 with Wilson’s Seven Guitars, and his professional acting debut in Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone in a Houston, Texas production. Dirden has a deep Wilson portfolio: He’s also performed in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson, Two Trains Running, Jitney and Fences. (The latter, perhaps Wilson’s most produced and well-known work, was made into a 2016 film starring Denzel Washington.)
Brandon Dirden as Caesar Wilks, playing opposite his real-life wife, Crystal Dickinson, who portrays Black Mary. Photo: T. Charles Erickson
Of Gem of the Ocean’s seven cast members, six have previously performed Wilson’s work.
Wilson has been called the Shakespeare of African American life in the 20th century. Performers, directors and audiences alike are captivated by his lyrical language, the depth of his storytelling, his humor, and the heartbreaking humanity of his characters.
Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Street, Red Bank; 732-345-1400.
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