Preservation by Deborah Yarchun

In a small town, in an archival library, there’s a vault. Inside the vault, there’s a box. Stella, Lydia’s dying grandmother, has convinced her that inside the box is a buried family secret that could alter their lives. But the founder of the library funded it under the stipulation that the box never be opened. Lydia and Stella need vindication. Stan, the library’s archivist, needs to protect the library and...
In a small town, in an archival library, there’s a vault. Inside the vault, there’s a box. Stella, Lydia’s dying grandmother, has convinced her that inside the box is a buried family secret that could alter their lives. But the founder of the library funded it under the stipulation that the box never be opened. Lydia and Stella need vindication. Stan, the library’s archivist, needs to protect the library and the founder’s integrity at all costs. Lydia isn’t going away. And Stan isn’t backing down. Preservation is a dark comedic drama that explores what happens when protecting the dead comes at the cost of the living.
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Preservation

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    10 Jul. 2021
    “ A moving story of uncovering the history and trauma for truth. Well done. ”
  • Nick Malakhow:
    24 Mar. 2021
    “ A thoroughly engrossing piece that examines family history, trauma, and identity in a human, fascinating way. The tension between Lydia's quest for truth and Stan's determination to preserve a certain version of history is palpable throughout, even as the characters engage in gentle and humorous interactions. Things escalate steadily, however, and the reveals about Abraham's true nature and Stan's stake in the lie manage to feel both major and organic. I loved the theatrical grand gesture in the final moments--how I'd so love to see it realized visually and aurally onstage! ”
  • Judy B. Goss:
    21 Oct. 2019
    “ Grabbed by the action, I was drawn deeply into the characters’ eccentric humanity through dark humor. PRESERVATION weaves an intriguing story, beyond the suspense of discovering what had been ordered to be hidden in a lock box forever. Urgent to verify their identities, past and present, the characters bend each other to serve their deepest needs, operating with cleverness and passion. ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

  • Lydia
    late 30s,
    Female
    Hair up in a bun until scene five. She means well.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Stan
    late 30s,
    Male
    Balding. Protective. He wants to be kind. There’s something charmingly old-fashioned about him.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Stella
    80,
    Female
    Loose ragged hair. She’s lived a rough life and hasn’t aged gracefully but maintains a stern sophistication to her. Sometimes coherent, sometimes lost.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    William Inge Center for the Arts
    ,
    2017

Production History

  • University
    ,
    Atlantic Acting School, NYU
    ,
    2018

Awards

Winner
,
Collaboration Award
,
Women in the Arts & Media Coalition
,
2019
Finalist
,
Kitchen Dog Theater's New Works Festival
,
Kitchen Dog Theater
,
2019
Winner
,
Jewish Ensemble Theatre's New Play Festival
,
Jewish Ensemble Theatre
,
2019
Finalist
,
Woodward/Newman Drama Award
,
Bloomington Playwrights Project
,
2018