The Excavation of Mary Anning
Illustration courtesy of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
SELECTION 2019 VASSAR / NYSAF POWERHOUSE THEATRE SEASON READING
SELECTION 2019 HUMAN RIGHTS NEW WORKS FESTIVAL RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE COMPANY
Winner 2018 Dennis and Victoria Ross Foundation New Playwright Program
Winner 2018 Ashland New Plays Festival
Finalist 2018 Pegasus New Play Festival
SEMI-FINALIST 2018 BONNIE AND TERRY BURMAN NEW PLAY AWARD
Semi-Finalist 2018 O’Neill Theatre Conference
Finalist 2017 Hidden River Arts Playwriting Award
Amidst the groaning cliff sides and weather beaten shores of southern England, fossil hunter Mary Anning combs the earth for glimpses of the ancient past. Armed with only her determination, her lucky hammer, and her canine companion, Tray, Mary uncovers secrets that redefine science and religion and philosophy. But 19th century geology is a nobleman’s game, and Mary’s discoveries are buried beneath the rubble while the stars of her male counterparts grow ever brighter. The Excavation of Mary Anning is a historical fantasia about things that come from the earth and things that go to the earth, and one woman’s quest to reclaim her legacy in a society that refuses to acknowledge her worth.
CAST BREAKDOWN: 6W to 28W
RUN TIME: 120 Minutes.
“The play is breathtaking in its scope, without ever losing its sense of self... or its audience. An instant favorite. ”
The playwright with the creative team from the Ashland New Plays Festival reading of The Excavation of Mary Anning. From left to right: Director Penny Metropulous, Shannon Davis, Michele (Maisy) Mais, Livia Genese, Alejandra Escalante, Jennie Greenberry, Meghan Nealon, and Stage Direction reader Marie-Claire Erdynast. Photo by Kara Quinn.
The talented cast from the Writers Theatre of NJ reading of The Excavation of Mary Anning, directed by Damon Bonetti.. From left to right: Katrina Ferguson, Judith Lightfoot-Clark, Jessica DalCanton, Jenna Kuerzi, Kristen Norine, and Sarah Corey. Produced by John Pietrowski, and stage managed by Danielle Constance.
Patrena Murray practicing her Scottish dialect.
The playwright with director Sammi Cannold.
Annie Golden in character.
The Excavation of Mary Anning was selected for the Dennis and Victoria Ross Foundation New Play Program, presented as a reading for NY Theatre industry professionals. Directed by Sammi Cannold, the ensemble featured Susannah Perkins, Patrena Murray, Mirirai Sithole, Annie Golden, Brittany Allen, and Aviva Winick. Stage managed by Norman Small. The backstage photographs above were taken by the playwright.