Martha
From Billions to One.
Passenger pigeons were one of the most abundant species on the planet. Then within a single generation, their population fell from billions to one. Join Martha, one of the Cincinnati Zoo’s most famous residents, in her final years as she finds love, loss and acceptance as the last passenger pigeon.
Martha by Sean P. Mette
2W, 2M (53 minutes, 58 minutes with optional scene)
Cast:
Martha, the last Passenger Pigeon George, the last male Passenger Pigeon Inca, the last Carolina Parakeet Lady Jane, the last female Carolina Parakeet
Press
FRINGE 2019 REVIEW: 'Martha - "Martha" follows the story of the last passenger pigeon, who died in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914 (Ed Cohen, Cincinnati City Beat)
‘Martha’ humanizes an important piece of Cincinnati history: "Hope is the one thing that always remains...whether you want it to or not." (Zach Moning, Artswave Guide)
Original Production Cast
Martha - Anna Masla George - Craig Branch Inca - Brandon Leatherland Lady Jane - Katie Groneman
Directed by Sean P. Mette Stage Managed by Natasha Boeckmann
Production Photos by Jeff Burkle
Martha premiered Sunday, June 2nd 2019 at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival.
Original Production Photo Gallery
See images from the original 2019 Cincinnati Fringe Festival production of Martha.
Original Production Writer’s Notes
“The air was literally filled with Pigeons; the light of noon-day was obscured as by an eclipse… - John James Audubon
As a child, my father would take my brother and me to the Cincinnati Zoo multiple times a week during the Summer. He worked nights and the zoo provided the perfect location to both entertain and educate two young boys. Although, not one of our required spots of every visit, quite frequently we would travel to Passenger Pigeon Memorial to look at the stuffed birds and be reminded of the devastative power of man. At the same time, we were instilled with the understanding that it is our responsibility to protect the species of our world. It is a beautiful planet with so many beautiful things in it.
This play started its life about 10 years ago, when I submitted a much earlier version of the script to the Festival. Although, it was not chosen for that Festival year, I always intended to one day produce the play. After what seems like a rather unusual path (cough, cough...Furlesque), I am thrilled to finally bring Martha’s story to life in the same city that she (and I) call home.
I hope that you enjoy the play. Some people have asked about the message of the play. The message of my play isn't sadness, (although I will understand if some assume that it is) but hope. After everything has been stripped away from us, hope is the one thing that always remains...whether you want it to or not.
Sean P. Mette (June 2019)
Photo of Martha as displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, September 1, 2019
