Deep History
70 minutes, no intermission
Deep History - 2024 Off-Broadway History , Info & More
Public Theater [Susan Stein Shiva Theater]
425 Lafayette Street New York, NY
At the end of 2019, in the English countryside, Australian playwright David Finnigan began writing a play about the six turning points that have brought us to this moment in time—our ecosystems transformed, our planet on the brink of unthinkable climate disaster. But then Finnigan's hometown of Canberra was hit by bushfires. As an area the size of England burned and one billion animals perished, he started to receive texts from loved ones racing to evacuate amid the devastation.
In a performance that interweaves 75,000 years of humanity with the incredibly personal account of his best friend’s escape, Finnigan calls on scientific research, phone footage, and a very personal story to illuminate the transforming planet and how we’ve arrived here. An extraordinary ride through human history, DEEP HISTORY is shot through with humor and glowing with hope.
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Deep History
Deep History: Can We Survive Climate Change?
6 / 10
Opening on Thursday in the 99-seat Shiva space at the Public Theater, Deep History initially registers more like an absorbing illustrated lecture than a dramatic performance, as Finnigan reflects upon the ways humanity has somehow survived ice ages, volcanoes, plagues and other natural catastrophes. Finnigan vows to be “optimistic and constructive and forward looking” about how to successfully face up to dangerous climate change. “Survival is possible,” he asserts, scrawling that phrase in magic marker on a sheet of brown paper pinned to a board. Finnigan later adds another note, “Not everyone will make it.”
'Deep History' review — a journey through the history of climate change
6 / 10
Early in David Finnigan’s autobiographical narrative Deep History, he recalls how his career path diverged from his family's: Finnigan's father is a climate scientist, and their shared care for the environment propelled Finnigan to make theatre about environmentalism. He says, “Art can change people’s minds in a way that science sometimes can’t.” A viable claim and certainly a noble pursuit. But Deep History is closer to a TED Talk than theatrical art.
by Nicole Rosky - October 11, 2024
The Public Theater just celebrated opening night for the North American premiere of DEEP HISTORY, a solo show by Australian playwright and performer David Finnigan. Check out what the critics are saying and read all the reviews!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - September 26, 2024
The Public Theater will begin performances for the North American premiere of DEEP HISTORY, a solo show by Australian playwright and performer David Finnigan, with a Joseph Papp Free Performance in October. The production has been extended! Learn how to purchase tickets.
Deep History History
Other Productions of Deep History
| 2024 | Off-Broadway |
Public Theater Off-Broadway Premiere Production Off-Broadway |
Videos