at the very bottom of a body of water

Every week, Marina returns to the same fish store, buys a catfish, and makes soup—a quiet, methodical act masking devastating grief. But when her usual fishmonger suddenly vanishes, her fragile routine shatters and Marina is forced to confront the wreckage of her carefully constructed world when something unexpected breaks through: the stirrings of romance and a tidal wave of magic. Paper cranes begin to fly...

Every week, Marina returns to the same fish store, buys a catfish, and makes soup—a quiet, methodical act masking devastating grief. But when her usual fishmonger suddenly vanishes, her fragile routine shatters and Marina is forced to confront the wreckage of her carefully constructed world when something unexpected breaks through: the stirrings of romance and a tidal wave of magic. Paper cranes begin to fly, and Marina enters uncharted, terrifying waters. Is the unraveling of her comfort a curse, or the beginning of something wondrous, wild, and entirely new? [synopsis by Boston Court Pasadena]

WORLD PREMIERE (forthcoming): Boston Court Pasadena (Los Angeles, CA), 2026 / LA New Play Project Winner

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at the very bottom of a body of water

Recommended by

  • Matt Minnicino: at the very bottom of a body of water

    you won't find someone who writes better plays about how making food is like making love is like living life is like finding joy is like grieving is like being -- there's an Elysian magic to every little shimmer and gleam of language (in several tongues) on each page, as the audience is sweetly shepherded into the warm, ebbing and flowing waters of Marina's journey and the characters around her. there are so many fish in the vast ocean, but I'd spend my time with these sublime swimmers all day and beyond.

    you won't find someone who writes better plays about how making food is like making love is like living life is like finding joy is like grieving is like being -- there's an Elysian magic to every little shimmer and gleam of language (in several tongues) on each page, as the audience is sweetly shepherded into the warm, ebbing and flowing waters of Marina's journey and the characters around her. there are so many fish in the vast ocean, but I'd spend my time with these sublime swimmers all day and beyond.

  • Brian Dang: at the very bottom of a body of water

    While specific moments of transcendence are sprinkled throughout the play in pivotal moments of connection, the experience of swimming through this "play about fish" is nothing short of transformational as a whole. Folding innumerable cranes, turning to face the things we fear may hurt us, returning to water. To see these characters live after loss. I feel held.

    While specific moments of transcendence are sprinkled throughout the play in pivotal moments of connection, the experience of swimming through this "play about fish" is nothing short of transformational as a whole. Folding innumerable cranes, turning to face the things we fear may hurt us, returning to water. To see these characters live after loss. I feel held.

  • Cheryl Bear: at the very bottom of a body of water

    An incredibly moving and meaningful play, Marina's exploration of the world and her connection to others is just marvelous. The metaphors are magical, a truly exquisite piece of work!

    An incredibly moving and meaningful play, Marina's exploration of the world and her connection to others is just marvelous. The metaphors are magical, a truly exquisite piece of work!

View all 9 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Chance Theater, Year 2025
  • Type Reading, Organization Williamstown Theatre Festival, Year 2024
  • Type Workshop, Organization The Playwrights' Center, Year 2024
  • Type Reading, Organization Two River Theater, Year 2017
  • Type Workshop, Organization The Playwrights' Center, Year 2017
  • Type Workshop, Organization Umbrella Project, Year 2016
  • Type Workshop, Organization The Lark Play Development Center, Year 2016
  • Type Workshop, Organization Parley, Year 2014

Production History

Awards

  • LA New Play Project Award
    LANPP
    Winner
    2025
  • L. Arnold Weissberger Award
    Williamstown Theatre Festival
    Finalist
    2021
  • The Mix
    Steppenwolf Theatre Company
    Selection
    2018
  • Ingenio Milagro
    Miracle Theatre Group (aka Milagro)
    Finalist
    2018
  • Working Farm
    SPACE on Ryder Farm
    Finalist
    2018
  • Many Voices Fellowship
    The Playwrights' Center
    Finalist
    2017
  • Festival of New American Plays
    Austin Playhouse
    Finalist
    2017
  • Playwrights' Week
    The Lark Play Development Center
    Selection
    2016
  • Many Voices Fellowship
    The Playwrights' Center
    Finalist
    2014