Lucian Msamati as Eli, Jenny Jules as Black Mary and Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Citizen Barlow in Gem Of The Ocean. Photograph: Tristram Kenton
Gem of the Ocean is the ninth play in August Wilson's 10-play cycle, chronicling the African-American experience through each decade of the 1900s, writes Maxie Szalwinska. Set in Wilson's native Pittsburgh, the play begins on the eve of the 287th birthday of Aunt Ester, when Citizen Barlow arrives at her house. According to the Tricycle's website, Aunt Ester "sets Citizen Barlow out on a spiritual journey to find the mythic City of Bones leading him to startling discoveries and setting him on a course of duty and redemption". What did audiences make of it?
David Webber, 39, Walthamstow: To me, it was about rites of passage and forgiveness, mainly forgiveness of yourself. And it was looking at the issue of freedom. I can relate to the main character and how he was imprisoned by his own guilt. He couldn't move on until he'd managed to confess and atone for what he'd done in some way. I think there's something in that for all of us. Guilt is a redundant emotion. It doesn't take you anywhere. You have to get over it.
Shelley Schwartz, Boston: It's a little bit long. It's about a lot of different things: the race issue; the time the play was set; individuals finding out about themselves.
Sidney Riley, 36, Holloway: Every character goes on a journey. It made me think about self-damage and the bigger force around you. It wasn't just about blacks versus whites.
Bonita Benjamin, 44, Walthamstow: This is the first time I've seen August Wilson's work. I came because it's about African-American history. It was a slow start, but everything came together in the second half. Wilson's exploring the issue of slavery. The play asks whether there is such a thing as freedom and how free people are once they come out of slavery.
Franklin, Camden Town: Wilson shows how law and justice can be very different things. The play's also about politicization: Citizen emerges as a freedom fighter.
Dennis Hoskin, 41, Kennington: There was a voodoo aspect to it. I think it was to dowith how little these people's lives changed after slavery. Black Mary still has a mentality where she has to be told what to do even though she's free, but she begins to speak for herself.
Carl Myers, 36, Kilburn: Wilson's chronological history of black America is poignant and well defined. His writing is beautiful and, without getting too wanky, very lyrical. I came out feeling inspired.
