This weekend will be a first for the Prescott-Joseph Center’s theater troupe, the Lower Bottom Playaz, when they perform August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” in its backyard theater at 920 Peralta St. in Oakland.

Ayodele Nzinga, theater director and dramaturge for the center, said this week’s production of “Gem of the Ocean” is the first play she felt no need to adapt to make the story relevant for her West Oakland community. She said she is excited about this production.

“Wilson, the North American Shakespeare, summed up the African-American experience,” Nzinga said. “It all still happens, it’s still relevant, that’s why it doesn’t get changed by a group known for adaptation.”

“Gem of the Ocean” takes place in 1904 Pittsburgh. Nzinga said it could be Oakland, it could happen anywhere. The main character is trying to live his life after emancipation, but finds he’s still on the outside forced to continue to live with racism. Nzinga said they didn’t change a single line because the story so “richly embodies a message and inspiration.”

“West Oakland is every urban area, anywhere,” she said. “This story can take place wherever people live with uneven resources and lack of access to education, jobs and safety.”

The Playaz received rights to perform the play just 30 days ago, rehearsals were held every week night and all day Saturday. Most of the performers work during the day. Nzinga both directs and plays the part of Ester.

“Most artists have to do something else to survive, “said Nzinga, “I feel blessed because everything I do has to do with art.”

Another first for the Playaz has been performing Shakespeare in West Oakland for 10 years. Nzinga said the Prescott-Joseph Center had a vision of performing Shakespeare; in 2001 the center built the outdoor theater in its backyard with seating for 100.

“I figured the reason most people didn’t enjoy Shakespeare like I did was because there wasn’t a frame of reference, people didn’t relate to the European stories of civil discontent," Nzinga said.

When she adapts Shakespeare, Nzinga said she keeps the plot, but changes the location to West Oakland, specifically 920 Peralta. She changes characters into rappers, a young mayoral candidate or a father just out of prison. She wants the audience and actors to see themselves and their situations in the timeless stories of unrest.

Nzinga holds auditions each year and said she’s trained the majority of actors of color who have assisted through the years. Children are included whenever possible and some have grown up with the Lower Bottom Playaz, which has created a multi-generational theater. She also works within the West Oakland school system teaching writing and performance.

Nzinga said she believes that teaching children how to act on stage gives them discipline, literacy skills and helps them know “how to act in life.”

Nzinga wants people to see this performance for many reasons.

“You have to know where it is in West Oakland, people have to come here. It’s a good place, when you walk in the backyard; you’re in a different world, a divine theater space.”

“Gem of the Ocean” will be performed:

Friday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct.r 17 at 2 p.m.

Admission:

Table with Amenities - $20
General Admission - $15
Group Rates Available

Details:

Box Office: (510) 208-1912
For general information call Erika at (510) 835-8683 or e-mail wordslanger@gmail.com.

To learn more about the Prescott-Joseph Center's activities in West Oakland, visit the website.