Digging Up Dessa is the newest production from Metro Theater Company. This comedy-drama-adventure is designed for audiences age 10 and up. In-person and virtual performances take place on select afternoons and evenings through November 7.
Dessa is the modern-day 12-year old with no shortage of mysteries to solve and fossils to find. Her days are filled with buried treasures just waiting to be uncovered. But when her family of three unexpectedly becomes a family of two, this smart, funny young scientist struggles to overcome her grief and anger at all the changes in her world. Dessa's unlikely comfort comes from a remarkable new friend, one only she can see and hear - Mary Anning, the 19th century paleontologist who discovered a breakthrough dinosaur fossil at the age of 12 and became and pioneer in her field.
But why is her portrait not on the museum wall alongside those of her male counterparts? Dessa decides that she's going to fight to earn Mary the respect she deserves. With help from her new classmate and once-rival, Nilo, Dessa unearths secrets of the past and present - for Mary's legacy and her own way forward. Themes of the story include resilience, history, dealing with grief, empowerment for girls and STEAM.
Digging Up Dessa is an adventurous comedy-drama that runs 60 minutes in length and is appropriate for ages 10 and up. It's playing on select afternoons and evenings through November 7 at the Grandel Theatre. Virtual performances are available October 20-November 7.
In-person and virtual field trips for students are available Wednesdays through Fridays at 10 a.m. on select days.
For tickets and more information, visit metroplays.org
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