Bewildered by the collapse of the old slave regime, the first generation of freed black Americans are unprepared for the white backlash against their newly acquired freedom. Many venture north and find themselves at Aunt Ester's door, seeking solace, advice, or a place to heal. Aunt Ester makes room in the world for those cast aside. She examines and treats wounded souls. Her wisdom is ancient, timeless, connected to the source from which black Americans had been taken. She is a figure of mythic proportion, offering strength and hope to overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable. A regional premiere presented in partnership with the Guthrie Theater, Gem of the Ocean introduces Aunt Ester, the 285-year-old fiery matriarch of Wilson's Twentieth Century Cycle - the keeper of the flame.

Starring James Craven, Terry Hempleman, Marvette Knight, Cedric Mays, T. Mychael Rambo, Abdul Salaam El Razzac, and Austene Van. 

Directed by Lou Bellamy 

Twentieth Century Cycle supported by Cargill

Join us, quilt artist Cecile Margaret Lewis, and the Gem of the Ocean Quilt at the Guthrie on the 8th Floor on Sunday, May 4, at 4pm. View this amazing art up close and personal!

The Gem of the Ocean Study Guide offers comprehensive lesson plans, accessible reference materials and informative commentary - download one today!

The Quilting Circle made the quilt for the 2007 production of Black Nativity.  Registration for the 2008 Black Nativity quilting circle begins in August.  Mark your calendar!

Lou Bellamy has been awarded the 2007 Obie for best direction and the 2006 McKnight Award for Distinguished Artist.  Bellamy recently directed the staged reading of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and once again received rave reviews! 

Penumbra joins forces with the Guthrie next season to stage Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun.  The 2009 Penumbra production will celebrate the 50th anniversary of this inspiring classic about a working-class black family struggling to make it in America. 

Summer Institute, a powerful four-week course for high school students, changes lives forever.  Applications are due May 5 - download the application today! 

It is with pride and awe that we unveil the “Quilt Mural” displayed on the back walls of the theatre! Designed to reflect the history of Penumbra, the historic Rondo neighborhood and the African American experience, each panel of the quilt holds a specific reference within the rich history of the African American experience. The quilt was designed by Chad Van Kekerix in conversation with Lou Bellamy, Seitu Ken Jones and Chris Widdess, and painted by Chad Van Kekerix and Carrie Anderson.

Billie Holliday

Check out the rest of the quilt!