![]() Coming uninvited through the window is Citizen Barlow (Evan Lewis Smith) from Alabama. ![]() He’s the police, the baker and the landowner. There’s Caesar Wilks (Chuma Gault) Black Mary’s brother who pretty much runs the town. Whenever there’s a knock at the door, Eli states firmly, “this a peaceful house.” Unfortunately, not all who enter are peaceable-minded people. Eli (Alex Morris) has a tougher job which is taking care of the demanding matriarch at 1839 Wylie Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, which was the mecca of African American culture between 1920 through 1950 where jazz ruled. Black Mary is used to Ester’s annoying badgering. As hard as Black Mary cleans, dusts, washes countless dishes, the house is never clean enough for her almost 300-year-old employer. By her side, is Black Mary Wilks (Carolyn Ratteray) Ester’s housekeeper and mentee. A former slave turned soul-cleanser, she helps others find their way in life. ![]() Aunt Ester Tyler (Veralyn Jones is remarkable) is a grand force and imposing figure who freely speaks her mind. In Gem of the Ocean, there’s a lot of various characters that either pass by or stay a long while. He crafted rich and authentic stories utilizing complex and enduring characters beginning with Aunt Ester. The late and fabulously great playwright August Wilson (Ap– October 2, 2005) wrote a series of 10 plays which he dubbed “The Pittsburgh Cycle.” It’s a collection of powerful works about African Americans during different rotations in time, set in Pittsburgh. ![]()
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