August Wilson's play, "Gem of the Ocean," forms part of his ambitious ten-play cycle that explores African American life throughout the twentieth century in the United States. Despite the brief duration of its Broadway run, it carries significant thematic weight. Originally spanning over three hours, its adaptation for Broadway saw it condensed to two-and-a-half hours, following its premiere in Los Angeles.

Introducing Aunt Ester Tyler

In a daring narrative twist, audiences are introduced to Aunt Ester Tyler, an astonishing 287-year-old protagonist. Born as slave ships departed Africa for the New World, Aunt Ester embodies the enduring spirit of African American history. She has traversed the dark centuries of slavery, and though officially free following the Emancipation Proclamation, she still grapples with a society reluctant to extend true freedom.

Colorful Characters and Intriguing Stories

Wilson populates his play with compelling characters. Central to the plot is Aunt Ester’s home in Pittsburgh's Hill District. Solly, an audacious former slave, adds richness to the tale; having escaped to Canada, he bravely returned to assist others on the Underground Railroad, boasting the liberation of sixty-two slaves. Meanwhile, Citizen Barlow emerges as a complex figure, burdened by guilt over a murder for which an innocent man bore the blame, choosing death over an unjust trial.

Workers' Strife and Unrest

A significant portion of the play's drama stems from the unrest among black mill workers. This dissatisfaction escalates, culminating in Solly and Citizen Barlow setting the mill ablaze. Their actions set them on a collision course with Caesar, the constable doggedly pursuing those responsible for the upheaval and subsequent arson.

Thematic Depth and Irony

"Gem of the Ocean" is rich with irony, reflecting the harsh realities faced by impoverished African Americans striving to live ethically within a biased society. The narrative suggests that when black individuals commit crimes at higher rates than their white counterparts, it is often because they are cornered by systemic injustice, with few avenues for legal and moral choices.