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  • Sunday, October 16, 2016 - 1:30pm to 3:00pm

The Terrace Room 


Gem of the Ocean brings us character who August Wilson saw as the heart of his Century Cycle: Aunt Ester, a spirited and spiritually connected 285-year-old matriarch who carries the memories of her ancestors. Citizen Barlow arrives at her door in need of a “soul washing” to cleanse him of a bad deed, while Aunt Ester’s assistant Black Mary battles with her brother, local constable Caesar, over his harsh approach to enforcing the law among the black residents of the Hill. Wilson gives us a way to talk about the 2016 problems of how to rejoin the community after doing wrong, and the divides between law enforcement and those they are intended to serve.

The afternoon will feature staged readings of Gem of the Ocean from Philadelphia theatre favorite Cathy Simpson as Aunt Ester with Jaylene Clark Owens, Dwayne Alistair Thomas, and Ron Lee Jones, plus lunch, conversation about the play, and opportunities for everyone to share their own stories about needing and seeking justice in their own lives and for their communities.

Sunday, October 16 at 1:30pm The Terrace Room, Cohen Hall, University of Pennsylvania 249 S. 36th Street (near 36th and Spruce) There is no cost to attend and free lunch will be provided!

RSVP: West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance / Paul Robeson House: 215.747.4675 or WPHLCA@gmail.com

RSVP: Professor Suzana Berger: 215.680.3488 or suzanab@sas.upenn.edu

For those who would like to read the play before the gathering, we are happy to provide a complimentary copy. Please call the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance for pick-up hours.

 

https://www.english.upenn.edu/courses/undergraduate/2016/fall/engl280.401