MATINICUS

by Jenny Connell Davis

A girl. A rock. A lighthouse. Endless frigid ocean. A storm.
Inspired by the true story of Maine folk heroine Abigail Burgess, this is a story of community, isolation, and resilience in the face of forces far greater than ourselves.

A girl. A rock. A lighthouse. Endless frigid ocean. A storm.
Inspired by the true story of Maine folk heroine Abigail Burgess, this is a story of community, isolation, and resilience in the face of forces far greater than ourselves.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

MATINICUS

Recommended by

  • Robert Alexander Wray: MATINICUS

    Structured almost like a living diary--but smartly set in present tense--this story spun by a young girl in the 1850s (and as written by Jenny Connell Davis) is riveting, powerful, and poetic as heck. The storm which swells into action towards the end and threatens utter destruction is a forceful creation and I was blown away at how richly cinematic it felt. Above all, the language throughout is distinct, detailed, and sublimely rendered. A great play to read as well as see and hear performed.

    Structured almost like a living diary--but smartly set in present tense--this story spun by a young girl in the 1850s (and as written by Jenny Connell Davis) is riveting, powerful, and poetic as heck. The storm which swells into action towards the end and threatens utter destruction is a forceful creation and I was blown away at how richly cinematic it felt. Above all, the language throughout is distinct, detailed, and sublimely rendered. A great play to read as well as see and hear performed.

  • Erin Malone Turner: MATINICUS

    My goodness! What a captivating & gorgeous play. Abbie is a sturdy, unflinching, lovely storyteller. I absolutely adore the beautiful poetic lines woven throughout the play as well. This is one of my favorite solo shows I've ever experienced; I need to see it performed as soon as I can. BIG FAN of this play!

    My goodness! What a captivating & gorgeous play. Abbie is a sturdy, unflinching, lovely storyteller. I absolutely adore the beautiful poetic lines woven throughout the play as well. This is one of my favorite solo shows I've ever experienced; I need to see it performed as soon as I can. BIG FAN of this play!

  • Katie Bender: MATINICUS

    A gorgeous deep dive into the life and times of Abigail Burgess, this oh-so produceable solo show reads like the best of old-timey tales, the ones you imagine told around the fire at night, filled with rich language, moments of comedy, fear, and wonder. Jenny Connell Davis has brought Abigail's story to life but also crafted a script that engages audiences with very present questions of survival, wonder and resilience. I highly recommend.

    A gorgeous deep dive into the life and times of Abigail Burgess, this oh-so produceable solo show reads like the best of old-timey tales, the ones you imagine told around the fire at night, filled with rich language, moments of comedy, fear, and wonder. Jenny Connell Davis has brought Abigail's story to life but also crafted a script that engages audiences with very present questions of survival, wonder and resilience. I highly recommend.

View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

1 female, older than 16. Beyond that, there is a LOT of room for creativity.
  • Abigail
    A salty, sturdy teenager with a huge imagination, grit, and a mouth on her. This role requires a lot of the actress, in terms of language and ability to carve it out.
    Character Age
    15 in real life, but can be played by any actress north of that.
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female

Development History

  • Type Commission, Organization Chance Theater, Year 2022

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Chance Theater, Year 2023

Awards

  • Outstanding New Play
    Orange County Theater Guild
    Winner
    2024