August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean is showing at the Young Vic between 14 May until 10 July 2027. See this moving story of resistance, redemption and the search for freedom, directed by Nadia Fall.

Gem of the Ocean in London 

Set in Pittsburgh in 1904, Gem of the Ocean, focuses on young Citizen Barlow, who is desperate and out of options. He camps outside the door of Aunt Ester, who is said to be 285 years old, and the sage and healer of the Hill District community, where slavery and the South are still living memory. As the merciless sheriff Caesar circles, however, Citizen Barlow must be saved before his past catches up with him. 

August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean is the opening chapter of his ten-play American Century Cycle. It features the character that the playwright himself called the cycle’s most significant figure, Aunt Ester. The production comes to the Young Vic, and will be directed by Artistic Director Nadia Fall, following her critically acclaimed staging of Wilson’s King Hedley II.

What to expect 

Wilson’s writing blends naturalism with mysticism and magical realism, and the play sends Citizen on a spiritual journey that confronts the legacy of slavery and the meaning of freedom.

The cast and the rest of the creative team accompanying Fall have yet to be announced.

Book Gem of the Ocean tickets 

Gem of the Ocean is currently booking from 14 May to 10 July 2027, and will show in the Main House at the Young Vic. Tickets will be on sale soon,

Set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1904, Gem of the Ocean tells the story of Citizen Barlow, a young man newly arrived from Alabama who is desperate for redemption. He seeks out Aunt Ester, who is a 285-year-old soul cleanser whose parlour holds the memory of slavery and the promise of freedom.

As the sheriff Caesar closes in, however, Citizen is sent on an extraordinary journey to the mythic City of Bones to confront the past to find a way forward.

The play is the first chronological instalment of August Wilson’s 10-play American Century Cycle, and introduces the character of Aunt Ester – a figure Wilson described as the most significant persona across the whole cycle. This new production is directed by Young Vic Artistic Director Nadia Fall.

Performance Information

Check booking calendar for full details

Tickets by Month
May 2027
Jun 2027
Jul 2027

Stars and Creatives

Who are the creative team of Gem of the Ocean?

  • Writer: August Wilson 
  • Director: Nadia Fall 

Venue Information

Young Vic Theatre , 66 The Cut, London, SE1 8LZ

Nearest Tube or Train: Waterloo (Jubilee line, Northern line, Bakerloo line); Southwark (Jubilee line)

Nearest Buses: 40, 60, N63, N89, 1, 68, 168, 172, 176, 188

Directions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Gem of the Ocean is playing at the Young Vic Theatre in London
To buy official London Theatre tickets to Gem of the Ocean, click on the Get Tickets button at the top of this page. You will be able to access the booking calendar to check live ticket availability and prices and see any exclusive offers or discounts. You will be purchasing tickets from an authorised retailer and member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.
Yes, Gem of the Ocean has matinee performances on the following days: Wednesday, Saturday

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