"The Excavation of Mary Anning"

Fall '24 Theatre Production

Saint Mary's Theatre Program presents "The Excavation of Mary Anning" by Ian August, directed by Shannon R Davis.

Amidst the weather beaten cliffs of southern England, Mary Anning hunts for fossils.  Armed with her determination, her lucky hammer, and her dog, Tray, Mary uncovers secrets that redefine science, religion, and philosophy. But 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 following one woman’s quest to reclaim her legacy in a society that refuses to acknowledge her worth.

Watch the PROMO video (made by Kisa Knight) here.

On Friday, Nov. 8, please join us for the talkback and post-show discussion with Environmental & Earth Science faculty member Nekesha Williams, the cast, and the playwright immediately after the 4pm show. They will discuss: What are the different ways of knowing? Who gets to do science? And who gets to decide?

PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE SHOW BELOW:

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS FOR FALL '25, USE THIS FORM TO GET YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TICKET. Current high school or junior college ID required when checking in at the Box Office.

SEMINAR STUDENTS: Use THIS FORM to get discounted tickets until Friday, Nov. 8 at 3pm.

General Audience - $20; SMC Faculty/Staff - $15; Students - $10

Click on date below for purchasing tickets:

Friday, November 1, 2024 | 8:00-10:00 pm

Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 8:00-10:00 pm

Sunday, November 3, 2024 | 2:00-4:00 pm (Inclusive/Covid-safe matinee where the audience will mask. Please bring your own which covers both nose and mouth.)

Friday, November 8, 2024 | 4:00-6:00 pm  (talkback after the show)

Saturday, November 9, 2024 | 8:00-10:00 pm

Sunday, November 10, 2024 | 2:00-4:00 pm

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Masks are not required, except for the Sunday, Nov. 3, performance. Please bring your own mask which covers both mouth and nose.
• Will call/check-in is located in LeFevre Theatre (across from the entrance to the SMC Bookstore). There are no physical tickets for this production: to check in, come to the LeFevre's glass front doors (Will Call), and we will match your name against the list of reservations; or you can show your receipt on your phone. Walk-up tickets are also available at the Box Office half an hour before each performance, via cash or check only.  
• Parking is in the Soda Center parking lot. Please arrive early as parking can be difficult to find at times. Parking may also be available in the gravel lot across the street from the Soda Center or up Mission Road. Please follow the signage at the visitor's lots to pay 50 cents per hour for a parking permit via text. No parking passes are needed after 6pm.
• Program: For every student performer, there are nearly twice as many whose rehearsal and backstage support makes the production possible. Please join us in thanking these valued members of The Excavation of Mary Anning company. The full program is available at the performances and in the link at the top of this page that says "PROGRAM."
• Exchanges: If you need to exchange your ticket for a different performance, please just bring proof of your original purchase/reservation to the performance you are attending. No need to contact us ahead of time.
• Running time: Approximately 2 hours. This includes a 15-minute intermission with some light snacks available for purchase.
• Content Advisory: This show is meant to be light-hearted and fun, but does contain some material that might be triggering to some audience members including gunshots, loud noises, suicidal ideation (stylized), flashing lights, misogyny, and death.

Interested in more women in Science events? 

DISNEY FORUM RHETORIC of SCIENCE & Seminar Enrichment Series (click on title for link):

SMASHING STEREOTYPES (OF WHO DOES SCIENCE) 
Nov. 13 | 5:15-6:30pm | Lafayette Room
Join Dr. Ainissa Ramirez for an unscripted conversation over supper, on the evolving stereotypes around “who does science.” Open to all students and faculty; pre-registration required.

STORYTELLING & SCIENCE 
Nov. 13 | 7-8:30pm|  Moraga Room
"Science evangelist" Dr. Ainissa Ramirez (The Alchemy of Us) unpacks the storytelling tools she uses to make science writing accessible. Faculty responders widen the conversation between science and humanities.