The Mermaids' Parade by Gina Femia

Biron has been deployed to Iraq and Islande is stuck in Coney Island. A fable of a mermaid connects them both as they are forced to confront their personal horrors in order to try to find one another and themselves during a time of war.
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The Mermaids' Parade

Recommended by

  • Samantha Marchant:
    13 Nov. 2022
    “ I admire the ease of flowing through two different locations showing how they are different and overlap. Magic to see on stage. ”
  • Alexa Rowe:
    9 Jun. 2022
    “ This absolutely whimsical and gorgeous Coney Island fantasy intermingled with biting realism is one of Femia's best. The dialogue is the star to me; snappy but truthful and unapologetic and brave. Upsetting but optimistic. I love this play. ”
  • Conor McShane:
    18 Jan. 2021
    “ A beautifully rendered, magical realist meditation on trauma, healing and connection. It breaks your heart like a conch shell and then puts it back together again. ”
View all 20 recommendations

Character Information

  • Islande
    early 20s,
    Black
    ,
    Female
    Dreams fall out her head. Loud, charismatic, keeps things real.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Biron
    early 20s,
    Black
    ,
    Male
    Dreams locked deep inside. Stoic, quiet, somewhat mysterious.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Tennessee
    18,
    White
    ,
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Guy
    Late 30s,
    BIPOC
    ,
    Male
    A man’s man soldier, 3rd tour in Iraq. Has a bravado, knows how to play the game.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Buzz
    early 30s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Islande’s boss at the Rite Aid. Charming, funny, awkward, a real magician.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Amy
    Any,
    BIPOC
    ,
    Female
    Fiesty, lost, magical, also a mermaid. Spends a lot of time not being able to talk words.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    American Blue Ink
    ,
    2020
  • Reading
    ,
    Parsnip Ship
    ,
    2018
  • Reading
    ,
    Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
    ,
    2018
  • Reading
    ,
    Pipeline Theatre
    ,
    2016
  • Residency
    ,
    Pipeline Theatre Company
    ,
    2015

Awards

Finalist
,
American Blue Ink Playwriting Award
,
2020
Finalist
,
Princess Grace Award
,
2017
Honorable Mention
,
Panndora's Box
,
Panndora Productions
,
2017
Semi-Finalist
,
The Relentless Award
,
2017