Two of Every Animal

[20-30 minutes, climate drama, 2F] Most of humanity has chosen to leave Earth and seek greener pastures, but two young scientists have chosen to stay behind as stewards of the genetic memory of the natural world. When one scientist’s interest in a specimen turns into an obsession, both women begin to understand the weight of the sacrifice they have made to secure a future for the many species the human race has...

[20-30 minutes, climate drama, 2F] Most of humanity has chosen to leave Earth and seek greener pastures, but two young scientists have chosen to stay behind as stewards of the genetic memory of the natural world. When one scientist’s interest in a specimen turns into an obsession, both women begin to understand the weight of the sacrifice they have made to secure a future for the many species the human race has failed.

This piece was written for the 2021 Aphra Behn Festival, as part of Slightly Askew Theatre Company's "Season of Do Overs."

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Two of Every Animal

Recommended by

  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn: Two of Every Animal

    This play absolutely gutted me. I'm kind of Kim right now, myself, but not with a polar bear, of course. Still, without the strong personal connection to this story, everyone should be gutted by this play because it can and very likely will happen. And it's not fair. And it's absolutely beautiful and heart breaking to watch Kim and Leta sit vigil and witness the beginning of the end. Not just for science. But for humanity. Just beautiful.

    This play absolutely gutted me. I'm kind of Kim right now, myself, but not with a polar bear, of course. Still, without the strong personal connection to this story, everyone should be gutted by this play because it can and very likely will happen. And it's not fair. And it's absolutely beautiful and heart breaking to watch Kim and Leta sit vigil and witness the beginning of the end. Not just for science. But for humanity. Just beautiful.

  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: Two of Every Animal

    This short Zoom play is powerful. It deals with climate change, loss, and bearing witness, and serves as a warning as to where we are all headed if we don't change our ways. Human beings have gotten used to using things and throwing them away, and Aly Kantor takes this trait to a heightened (but plausible) place, with humanity discarding Earth and taking to space in search of a new home. Kim and Leta stay behind, preserving and honoring what is being lost. If we all loved like they do, the planet would be in much better shape.

    This short Zoom play is powerful. It deals with climate change, loss, and bearing witness, and serves as a warning as to where we are all headed if we don't change our ways. Human beings have gotten used to using things and throwing them away, and Aly Kantor takes this trait to a heightened (but plausible) place, with humanity discarding Earth and taking to space in search of a new home. Kim and Leta stay behind, preserving and honoring what is being lost. If we all loved like they do, the planet would be in much better shape.

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams: Two of Every Animal

    Kim's obsession with things getting done is one that rang relevant with me from the very beginning. At first I was lured into this being a humorous anecdote of Kim's obsession but the more I read of the beautiful poetic language the writer has loaded this piece with, the more I realised how tragically sad it is. I finished this play with the full spectrum of emotions leaping around inside me and I think it would be the same for any audience, that's what makes this play great for me.

    Kim's obsession with things getting done is one that rang relevant with me from the very beginning. At first I was lured into this being a humorous anecdote of Kim's obsession but the more I read of the beautiful poetic language the writer has loaded this piece with, the more I realised how tragically sad it is. I finished this play with the full spectrum of emotions leaping around inside me and I think it would be the same for any audience, that's what makes this play great for me.

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Character Information

  • Kim
    Female, about mid-30’s, a young scientist. She is stubborn and
    obsessive, but talented and incredibly empathetic.
    Character Age
    30+
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Femme or non-binary
  • Leta
    Female, a contemporary of KIM, a young scientist. She is kind and
    loyal to a fault, with an artistic soul.
    Character Age
    30+
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Femme or non-binary

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble (SATE), Year 2021

Production History

  • Type University, Organization Colorado College, Year 2022
  • Type Professional, Organization Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble (SATE), Year 2021