Set in 1904, August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean begins the playwright’s legendary Century Cycle with a spiritual journey toward freedom and redemption, led by the wise and mystical Aunt Ester. This powerful play explores legacy, identity, and the enduring pursuit of justice.

Soul Rep Theatre Company was founded in 1995 by Dallas/Fort Worth natives Guinea Bennett-Price, Anyika McMillan-Herod, and Tonya Holloway. Guinea and Anyika are both products of Dallas ISD's Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (Class of ’89), while all three co-founders hold BFAs in Theater from the dynamic undergraduate programs of Howard University and Prairie View A&M University. The trio returned to Dallas in the mid 90’s after attending graduate school programs and internships at regional theaters across the country. They shared a tremendous desire to establish a theater company in Dallas dedicated to the Black experience, after learning there no longer was a company in the city doing so.

For three decades, Soul Rep has been a trailblazer in Dallas’ cultural landscape, dedicated to telling the untold and overlooked stories of the Black community. The company is proud to be a haven for local Black artists and a platform that amplifies diverse voices. Soul Rep’s productions have not only enriched the arts in North Texas but also served as a catalyst for social change, engaging audiences from all walks of life. The company’s productions have consistently received acclaim for their artistic excellence, with dynamic storytelling and powerful performances…and continues its commitment to presenting thought-provoking, relevant theater that both honors the past and addresses contemporary issues.