Natural History

by Collin Van Son

On a midnight in the twenty-second century, as wildfires rage across the western United States, Jane and Clyde embark on a daring heist to steal a taxidermied bison from the American Museum of Natural History. There’s just one problem: the bison isn't there. Instead, the would-be thieves are confronted by the museum's eccentric night watchman, himself a former Wild West reenactor. With history itself in danger...

On a midnight in the twenty-second century, as wildfires rage across the western United States, Jane and Clyde embark on a daring heist to steal a taxidermied bison from the American Museum of Natural History. There’s just one problem: the bison isn't there. Instead, the would-be thieves are confronted by the museum's eccentric night watchman, himself a former Wild West reenactor. With history itself in danger of extinction, the three must find a way to keep the past—and their futures—from turning to ash.

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Natural History

Recommended by

  • Liba Vaynberg: Natural History

    Collin’s play is so funny, so honest, so fierce as it pulls apart an exhibit in a Museum and tears down the lies that made it real through rhymes and silences and pacts. This play is tight, character, plot, and set-wise, and artfully woven—I saw it twice, once inside and once outside, and so enjoyed it both times, both ways. For anyone who loves the Wild West and bisons in museum or just believes in the power of nature and exploration and the threats posed to them.

    Collin’s play is so funny, so honest, so fierce as it pulls apart an exhibit in a Museum and tears down the lies that made it real through rhymes and silences and pacts. This play is tight, character, plot, and set-wise, and artfully woven—I saw it twice, once inside and once outside, and so enjoyed it both times, both ways. For anyone who loves the Wild West and bisons in museum or just believes in the power of nature and exploration and the threats posed to them.

  • Nick Malakhow: Natural History

    A sneaky, slow-burn of a play that, at first read, is a superbly paced real time heist. On second, third, and fourth consideration, the ways that it explores the intersection of history, legacy, climate change, nature, and the human impact on the world unfurl like a uniquely beautiful flower of sorts. Three thoughtfully chosen and constructed characters come together and brush up against one another with their own urgent needs and circumstances. The comedy and intriguing speculative future setting serve to disarm and prime the audience to consider truths about the sustainability of our current...

    A sneaky, slow-burn of a play that, at first read, is a superbly paced real time heist. On second, third, and fourth consideration, the ways that it explores the intersection of history, legacy, climate change, nature, and the human impact on the world unfurl like a uniquely beautiful flower of sorts. Three thoughtfully chosen and constructed characters come together and brush up against one another with their own urgent needs and circumstances. The comedy and intriguing speculative future setting serve to disarm and prime the audience to consider truths about the sustainability of our current way of life.

  • Jan Rosenberg: Natural History

    I haven't stopped thinking about this haunting, sweet, sad play about what we've lost and what we still have left to live for since I saw it at the O'Neill. Collin's writing is so tender, hilarious, and whimsical. As funny as this play is, it's also devastating. Put it in a museum!

    I haven't stopped thinking about this haunting, sweet, sad play about what we've lost and what we still have left to live for since I saw it at the O'Neill. Collin's writing is so tender, hilarious, and whimsical. As funny as this play is, it's also devastating. Put it in a museum!

View all 4 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, Year 2023