Penumbra Theatre Company Announces Wilson's 'Gem'

Penumbra Theatre company has announced the cast and creative team for August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean directed by Lou Bellamy. The Guthrie is proud to present the production, which begins previews April 22 and plays through May 18, 2008 on the McGuire Proscenium Stage. Tickets are priced from $24 to $69 and are on sale through the Guthrie Box Office at 612.377.2224, toll-free 877.44.STAGE and online at www.guthrietheater.org.

With Gem of the Ocean, two-time Pulitzer Prize-wining playwright August Wilson begins his Twentieth Century Cycle chronicling black American life in the Hill District of Pittsburgh in 1904. Aunt Esther (Marvette Knight), the drama's 287-year-old fiery matriarch, welcomes into her Hill District home Solly Two Kings (James Craven), who was born into slavery and scouted for the Union Army, and Citizen Barlow (Cedric Mays), a young man from Alabama searching for a new life. Bewildered by the collapse of the old slave regime, the first generation of black Americans recently freed from slavery are unprepared for the backlash against their newly acquired freedom by whites. Many venture north and find themselves at Aunt Ester's door, seeking solace, advice, or a place to heal.

"A founding company member of Penumbra, Wilson sat in countless rehearsals watching his friends and fellow artists stage plays that explored the depth and breadth of the African American experience. He was inspired to write for the actors whom he called his friends. The characters he created are mighty, the stories epic in scope. Through his plays we can experience, ponder and reckon with our unique American history." Penumbra Artistic Director Lou Bellamy said. "The partnering of the Guthrie and Penumbra allows our particular experiences and areas of expertise to join forces, offering the community a unique opportunity to experience Wilson's work at its best."

"When we first partnered with Lou and Penumbra on Fences in 1997, we learned that such collaboration could be a successful one," Guthrie Artistic Director Joe Dowling said. "We're thrilled that the Guthrie can serve as a community resource for other arts organizations, and this type of partnership will serve to strengthen both the Guthrie and Penumbra."

The stellar ensemble also features Abdul Salaam El Razzac (Eli), Terry Hempleman (Rutherford Selig), T. Mychael Rambo (Caesar) and Austene Van (Black Mary).

Bellamy is joined by an artistic team that includes Mathew J. LeFebvre (Set Designer and Costume Designer), Michelle Habeck (Lighting Designer), Malo Adams (Sound Designer), Stephanie Lein Walseth (Dramaturg), Mary K. Winchell (Stage Manager), Elizabeth MacNally (Assistant Stage Manager).