Claudia Haas writes inspired and amazing plays about real people and imagined, sometimes combining both to entertain and educate along the way. In FOSSIL LADY we meet the historical Mary Anning and explore her incredible talent and frustration as the first female paleontologist in the early 1800s. I feel the emotional and physical beats of this play so deeply throughout and am grateful to be introduced to this amazing woman by a writer I admire.

I adore "Mary, Mary quite contrary." And thank goodness she was. Haas captures the strength of this woman as well as the pull of the stormy tide of time and belief in a few short scenes. Brava.

FOSSIL LADY gives us fiery dialogue exchanges and meaningful reflection as we are introduced to a fascinating woman of science, Mary Anning. Claudie Hass beautifully showcases Mary's intelligence and knowledge alongside her battle against the patriarchal society that excludes and demeans women in social context and scientific discovery. A lovely play with strong female characters, science, and faith that would be excellent in a variety of settings, including colleges and educational festivals.