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August Wilson's August Wilson's August AUGUSTAUGUST WILSOWILSON’SN’S OCEAN OFOFOCEAN THETHE GEMGEM JAN 24 FEB 24 TEACHER STUDY GUIDE Written and Researched by Taylor M. Wycoff Sponsors SAN DIEGO | OLD TOWN 619.337.1525 • WWW.CYGNETTHEATRE.COM About this Guide This Study Guide contains a variety of resource material to accommodate different classes and levels. Teachers need not use all the material found here but should choose the most appropriate materials given their current curriculum. Topics may be used separately or in any combination that works for you. Table of Contents page(s) About the Play………………………………………………………………………………………….…………3 Play Synopsis………………………………………………………………………………………….…….3 Characters and the Significance of Names………………………………………………………….…..4 Important Terms……………………………………………………………………………..……..…….…5 Our Production…………………………………………………………………………………………...………6 The Artistic Team…………………………………………………………………………………………...6 The Cast………………………………………………………………………………………….……….…6 From the Artistic Director.……………………………………………………………………………….…6 About the Playwright, August Wilson.………………………………………………….……………….….…7 Mini-Biography.……………………………………………………………………….…………..…………7 The Four B’s: Wilson’s Influences………………………………………………………………………..8 The Pittsburgh Cycle ………………….……………….…………………………………..………….…..9 Music and Spirituality in Gem of the Ocean…………………….……………………………………..…....10 The Middle Passage……………………………………………………………….……….…………………..11 The Underground Railroad…..…………………………………………..………..…………………………..12 Finding Freedom………………..…………………………………………..……….………………….……...13 The Hill District…………………………………………….………………….…………….…………………..14 Theatre Etiquette…………………………………………….……………………….…….…………………...15 Recommended Resources………………………………………………………………………………….….16 Cygnet Theatre Company values the feedback of teachers on the content and format of its Study Guides. We would appreciate your comments on past Study Guides, on this current one, or suggestions on ways to improve future Study Guides. Comments may be directed to Taylor M. Wycoff by email at [email protected]. 2 About the Play Set in 1904, when slavery was still a living memory, Gem of the Ocean is the story of drifter Citizen Barlow, who arrives at the home of Aunt Ester in search of asylum and spiritual redemption. At 287 years old, Aunt Ester guides Barlow on a soaring, lyrical journey of self-discovery to the mythical City of Bones. Once there, Barlow finds absolution and makes a startling discovery of faith that moves him to act beyond the boundaries of his conscience. Plot Synopsis It is 1904 in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, and many former slaves from the Southern states have migrated north looking for jobs. But when Citizen Barlow, a young man fleeing oppression in Alabama, takes a job in a Pittsburgh mill, he’s exploited and again driven to commit a crime. He seeks redemption from one resident of the Hill, 287-year-old Aunt Ester, who possesses the spiritual knowledge of Africa and the wisdom of the ages. Her house is guarded by Eli and Solly, who are two friends from the Underground Railroad, and Black Mary, Aunt Ester’s housekeeper. When Caesar, Black Mary’s brother and the local constable, accuses a worker of stealing a bucket of nails, rather than face false accusations the worker drowns himself, inciting his coworkers to go on strike. Shortly after, Citizen admits that he was the one who stole the bucket of nails and caused the innocent man’s death, and Eli announces that someone has set fire to the mill. Eli, Solly, and Black Mary help conduct a symbolic journey to the “City of Bones,” the resting place for slaves who perished along the Middle Passage from Africa to America. Aunt Ester folds a bill of sale into a paper boat, explaining that it is the Gem of the Ocean, the ship that will take Citizen to the City of Bones. When Citizen confesses to his crime and they celebrate his rebirth, Caesar interrupts to arrest Solly for setting the fire. After Solly runs, Aunt Ester unfolds the bill of sale revealing that it is the receipt for her sale as a slave. She asks Caesar how the law can always be right if the law made her a slave. He answers by showing her a warrant and arrests her for aiding Solly in his escape. She is released on bond, but Caesar shoots Solly when Solly turns back to try and free the workers in jail. Citizen puts on Solly’s clothes and sets out on his own. 3 Characters (and the significance of names) ELI: Aunt Ester’s gatekeeper and longtime friend of Solly *Eli is the name of an Old Testament Priest and mentor to young Samuel. As such, he is steady, reliable, and maintains peace in the house. CITIZEN BARLOW: a young man from Alabama who is in spiritual turmoil *Citizen’s mother named him “after freedom came.” But Solly Two Kings reminds him that to truly be a Citizen, he’ll have to fight to uphold freedom when it becomes a heavy load. AUNT ESTER TYLER: a very old, yet vital spiritual advisor for the community *Aunt Ester, whose name sounds like the word “ancestor” is the key connector between the African past and the African American present. Her name also suggests Easter, the holiest day of the Christian calendar and thus conveys a strong sense of spirituality within her, as well as the biblical character Esther (Ahasureus’ queen and the heroine of Purim, a Jewish holiday, which celebrates the saving of the Hebrew people.) BLACK MARY: Aunt Ester’s protégé and housekeeper *Black Mary serves Aunt Ester and washes her feet in a ritual “reminiscent of the self-abasement of Mary, sister of Martha, at Bethany during the last days of Christ.” (McCabe, 2003) RUTHERFORD SELIG: a traveling peddler who is a frequent visitor of the house *In German, “selig” means “blessed.” SOLLY TWO KINGS: suitor to Aunt Ester, former Underground Railroad conductor *Solly’s earlier name was Uncle Alfred, but after slavery he changed his name to David and Solomon, two Biblical kings. David, meaning “Friend” or “beloved” was known as a warrior when he defeated the giant Goliath. After Saul’s death, David became king and conquered the city of Jerusalem. Soloman, the son of David, whose name means “peaceful” was known for his wisdom and wealth. He expanded his father’s kingdom which resulted in peace on all the borders. CAESAR: Black Mary brother and local constable *Caesar’s name means “dictator” or “autocrat, originating from the original Roman emperor, Julius Caesar. [Did you know… Prior to the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, the vast majority of African- Americans in the United States were enslaved. During that time, slave’s names were assigned by their owners. Some bore their masters’ surnames, whiles others received a name based on what kind of work they were forced to do. (For example, some African-Americans had last names such as Cotton, reflecting the time when they were made to pick cotton as slaves). After abolition, many slaves like Solly chose new names for themselves and their children. They often took these names from the Bible, from their own family history, or from famous people they admired. Some names, such as “Liberty,” (or Citizen) were chosen to celebrate their new freedom.] Works Cited McCabe, M. (2003). Student Guide for Gem of the Ocean. Chicago: Goodman Theatre. 4 Important Terms Aiding and abetting: Assisting someone in committing a crime. Billy club: A short, wooden club carried by a policeman. Bondage: The condition of being enslaved. Clodhoppers: Big, heavy shoes. This word implies that the wearer is unsophisticated or a country bumpkin. Consumption: Tuberculosis, a serious infectious disease of the lungs. County farm: Slang, referring to prison, especially one in which the prisoners perform outdoor labor. General Grant: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885). A Civil War general made commander-in-chief of the Union army in 1864. He served two terms as the 18th President of the United States. Ham hock: The lower portion of a pig’s hind leg, usually smoked or cured and often used to flavor soups or beans. Lt. General Grant at City Point, June 1864 Hoecake: A thin cake made of cornmeal. Opelika, Alabama: A small town in eastern Alabama, Moonshine: Illegally distilled, homemade whiskey. about 5 miles from Auburn. After the Civil War, the area was economically devastated. Samson: In the Old Testament Book of Judges, he was known for his extraordinary strength. God had instructed him never to cut his hair, and when Delilah betrayed him and cut off his hair, he lost his strength. Smote: Past tense of the verb “to smite,” meaning to strike or to inflict a heavy blow. W.C. Bryant: (1794-1878) An American poet, critic and editor who also studied law. He advocated many reforms, including abolition. He was the editor and part-owner of the New York Evening Post from 1829- W.C. Bryant writing 1878. 5 Our Production The Artistic Team From the Artistic Director Director…………………………..………...…Victor Mack When I asked what made Cygnet’s Artistic Director, Co-Director…………………………..….….Sean Murray Sean Murray want to produce Gem of the Ocean this Stage Manager…………………….Jennifer Kozumplik* season, he recounted the runs of Fences and The Piano Scenic Designer…………………………...…..Andy Hull Lesson in previous seasons. During both productions, Costume Designer …………………….Shelly Williams Cygnet co-produced a series of staged readings of the Lighting Designer…………………………..Chris Rynne other titles in the ten play cycle (one play for every Sound Designer…………………………Kevin Anthenill th Properties Designer…………………Angelica Ynfante° decade of the 20 century chronicling the African Wig & Makeup Designer……………...Peter Herman° American experience), leading
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