Wilson's final installments in his ten-play Century Cycle will kick off the Alliance season, running in repertory Aug. 29-Sept. 28.

Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf bookend Wilson's ambitious account of the African-American experience. The productions officially open Sept. 6, with Gem of the Ocean at 2 PM and Radio Golf at 8 PM.

Kenny Leon will stage Gem of the Ocean, while Alliance associate artistic director Kent Gash will direct Radio Golf. The Alliance is one of the few theatre companies to ever produce Wilson's entire Century Cycle of works.

Both works will feature a company of actors including Donald Griffin, Tonia M. Jackson, Larry Larson, E. Roger Mitchell and Afemo Omilami. For Gem of the Ocean, the company will be joined by Chad L. Coleman and Michele Shay.

Designing the Alliance productions are Edward E. Haynes, Jr. (set design), Mariann Verheyen (costume design), Ann G. Wrightson (lighting design), Dan Moses Schreier (sound design for Gem of the Ocean), Clay Benning (sound design for Radio Golf) and Jade Lambert Smith (dramaturg). Set in 1904, Gem of the Ocean begins "on the eve of the 285th birthday of Aunt Ester (a recurring character in Wilson’s play cycle). Citizen Barlow, a man who is in spiritual turmoil, arrives at Aunt Ester's house in Pittsburgh's Hill District and is soon set off 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."

In Radio Golf "Harmond Wilks, a charming and powerful African-American politician, is running for the highest office of his career, with the loving support of his savvy wife, Mame," according to show notes. "As Harmond steps into political prominence, the past is just a few steps behind him ... and gaining fast."

For tickets and information phone (404) 733-5000 or visit AllianceTheatre.

The Alliance Theatre is located within the Woodruff Arts Center, at the corner of Peachtree Street and 15th Street, in Atlanta, GA.