2017/18 Development - THE EXCAVATION OF MARY ANNING

On March 23rd, 2018 the staged reading of THE EXCAVATION OF MARY ANNING by playwright Ian August was held at the DVRF loft space in Manhattan. The cast included such notables as Annie Golden (Violet, Orange is the New Black), Susannah Perkins (The Wolves) and Mirirai Sithole (School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play) and was directed by Sammi Cannold (Ragtime on Ellis Island).

Also featured were Aviva Winick (Matilda), Patrena Murray (Venus), and Brittany K. Allen (The Place We Built). 

The magic-realist piece, which concerns the neglected legacy of 19th Century fossil hunter and paleontologist Mary Anning, was developed as part of DVRF's annual Playwrights Program. The Program's goal is to raise the visibility of deserving new works which have not previously had a full production.

Mr. August was given the opportunity to work in close cooperation with Ms. Cannold, the cast, and the rest of the creative team throughout intensive rehearsals leading to the presentation.

As with previous years, producers, directors, and other theater professionals from across New York City were invited to get a glimpse of this promising work. 2018 also marked the first year the Playwrights Program was able to rehearse and present in DVRF's new space in the Flatiron District of Manhattan. 

We want to thank everyone who was involved, as well as our six finalists.