DERRICK SANDERS (Assistant Director) continues his voyage with Gem of the Ocean from the Goodman Theatre and The Mark Taper Forum. He is the Co-Founder and Founding Artistic Director of Congo Square Theatre Company and has had the pleasure of performing and directing across the globe. His most recent directing credits include the world premiere of The House That Jack Built at Congo Square and Why Black Men Play Basketball at ETA Creative Arts Theatre Company. He also directed A Cryin’ Shame for Kuntu Repertory Theatre, The 2002 Theodore Ward Playwriting winner Kiwi Black at Columbia College, the award winning production of Ali for Congo Square (for which he received a nomination for Best Direction from B.T.A.A.), and the international classic The Island. He has been seen in several Congo Square productions including A Soldier’s Play, the critically acclaimed Playboy of the West Indies, and The Piano Lesson. His other credits include The Pawn and Next Stop Ellipse for the International Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa. Mr. Sanders received his training from Howard University (B.F.A) and the University of Pittsburgh (M.F.A).