The Excavation of Mary Anning

by Ian August

FULL LENGTH - Amidst the groaning cliff sides and weather beaten shores of southern England, fossil hunter Mary Anning combs the earth for glimpses of the ancient past. Armed with only her determination, her lucky hammer, and her erstwhile companion, Tray, Mary uncovers secrets that redefine science and religion and philosophy. But 19th century geology is a nobleman’s game, and Mary’s discoveries are buried...

FULL LENGTH - Amidst the groaning cliff sides and weather beaten shores of southern England, fossil hunter Mary Anning combs the earth for glimpses of the ancient past. Armed with only her determination, her lucky hammer, and her erstwhile companion, Tray, Mary uncovers secrets that redefine science and religion and philosophy. But 19th century geology is a nobleman’s game, and Mary’s discoveries are buried beneath the rubble while the stars of her male counterparts grow ever brighter. The Excavation of Mary Anning is a historical fantasia about things that come from the earth and things that go to the earth, and one woman’s quest to reclaim her legacy in a society that refuses to acknowledge her worth.

The Excavation of Mary Anning should be performed entirely by women.

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The Excavation of Mary Anning

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: The Excavation of Mary Anning by Ian August
    “

    A fantastic adventure to uncover the secrets that lie beneath as we strive to find understanding and leave a legacy. Well done.

    A fantastic adventure to uncover the secrets that lie beneath as we strive to find understanding and leave a legacy. Well done.

    ”
  • Donna Stuccio: The Excavation of Mary Anning by Ian August
    “

    What a fabulous adventure I had reading this beautiful and inventive play! It is utterly captivating. I loved the structure and the dialogue, which was sometimes poetic and always engaging. I am in awe of the playwright's imaginative staging, rich with sound and the use of darkness and light. This script is a masterclass in taking a piece of history and unearthing its relevance and making is so completely meaningful, accessible, and unforgettable.

    What a fabulous adventure I had reading this beautiful and inventive play! It is utterly captivating. I loved the structure and the dialogue, which was sometimes poetic and always engaging. I am in awe of the playwright's imaginative staging, rich with sound and the use of darkness and light. This script is a masterclass in taking a piece of history and unearthing its relevance and making is so completely meaningful, accessible, and unforgettable.

    ”
  • Marie-Claire Erdynast: The Excavation of Mary Anning by Ian August
    “

    The Excavation of Mary Anning is charming, witty, heart-felt, and tremendously fun. Full of a delightful cast of eccentric characters from fossilists to talking dogs to dinosaurs. Mary Anning asks us about why we must continue to discover and explore and dig. I cannot recommend this play highly enough.

    The Excavation of Mary Anning is charming, witty, heart-felt, and tremendously fun. Full of a delightful cast of eccentric characters from fossilists to talking dogs to dinosaurs. Mary Anning asks us about why we must continue to discover and explore and dig. I cannot recommend this play highly enough.

    ”
View all 14 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Powerhouse Theatre at Vassar / NY Stage and Film, 2019
  • Reading, Writer's Theatre of New Jersey, 2018
  • Reading, DVRF - The Dennis and Victoria Ross Foundation, 2018
  • Reading, Ashland New Plays Festival, 2018

Awards

  • Woodward International Playwriting Prize
    UNH Department of Theatre
    Semi-Finalist
    2020
  • Selected Play
    Ashland New Plays Festival
    Winner
    2018
  • Hidden River Arts Playwriting Award
    Hidden River Arts
    Finalist
    2018
  • National Playwrights Conference
    Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2018
  • DVRF New Play Development Program
    Dennis and Victoria Ross Foundation
    Winner
    2018
  • Pegasus PlayLab New Play Festival
    University of Central Florida
    Finalist
    2018