Gem Of The Ocean

August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean will be staged at Cygnet Theatre January 24 through February 24. This is the first of the August Wilson Cycle Plays, and Cygnet deserves credit for mounting a production of this drama, which was the foundation for Wilson’s exploration, via ten plays, of the 20th century spiritual and cultural journey of African Americans. It is fitting that the Wilson is regarded as one of America’s greatest dramatists, and was the recipient of many prestigious awards.

 

The National Endowment for the Arts recently recognized the significance of this production at Cygnet, and awarded the organization a $10,000 grant, which also supports post-show forums and a presentation of Walking in the Shadows of August Wilson by Antonio T.J. Johnson. Music, particularly the blues, was vital to Wilson, so that element is woven into the presentation, as are 20th century authors James Baldwin and Jorge Luis Borges. Johnson’s presentation will be made in schools and libraries during February, and at Mingei International Museum February 11. (619.337.1525, www.cygnettheatre.com)   DARLENE DAVIS