January 17–19 | 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm | Wavertree | $30
Step into maritime and theatre history with the Seaport Museum and the professional actors of Mariner Theatrical as we bring Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O’Neill’s (1888–1953) powerful maritime play, In The Zone, to life aboard the historic 1885 tall ship Wavertree.
Originally debuting during the height of World War I fervor––only months after the United States entered the war––In The Zone is one of four one-act plays O’Neill wrote between 1914 and 1917, inspired by his time aboard the British ship SS Ikala. Set aboard a tramp steamer, the play delves into themes of paranoia, xenophobia, and ambition as the sailors grow suspicious that one of their own may be a spy.
As you enter the forecastle of Wavertree, you’ll be transported to the tense confines of the SS Glencairn, an Allied munitions ship braving the infamous “U-Boat Zone.” The intimate setting enhances the drama, complemented by the atmospheric folk music of Nathan Bishop and his band, Faoileán.
Audience members for the 45-minute play can choose between traditional seating on chairs or benches or embrace a more adventurous experience with bunk seating, allowing you to claim a traditional sailor’s bunk and step into the life of a seafarer from 1885—just keep in mind, sailors of the past were a bit smaller than people today! Tickets are limited. Advance registration is encouraged. Walk-ups will be accommodated as space allows. Access to Wavertree involves climbing a few stairs, walking up an angled gangway, and descending a few stairs onto the deck.
If you don’t see tickets for a specific time, that performance has reached capacity.
Please Note This is a Past Program, Event, or Activity
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In The Zone, is written by Eugene O’Neill
Directed by Andy Sowers
Music Direction by Nathan Bishop, and the band Faoileán
Stage Managed by KC Athol
Performances Feature:
Christopher Rashee-Stevenson, Matt Russell, Captain Jack Tunney, Damien Hughes, Jaz Astwood, Stuart Gray, and Sam Gibbs.
Add More to Your Experience
These performances pair perfectly with the free event Eugene O’Neill and the Maritime Experience, held in the Seaport Museum’s historic Schermerhorn Row introduction galleries on January 18 and 19. Sign up today to join the discussion and delve deeper into the intersection of maritime history and theatre. Together with Robert A. Richter, Treasurer of The Eugene O’Neill Society, explore how maritime communities profoundly influenced the life and work of Nobel Prize-winning playwright Eugene O’Neill (1888–1953).
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the historic ships and exhibitions on view is not included with your ticket to this event. If you would like to explore more that the Museum has to offer, book in advance or ask Museum staff about General Admission tickets when you check in.
General Admission is available Friday through Sunday, from 11am to 5pm and brings you aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16, and into all current exhibitions on view in the first-floor Schermerhorn Row galleries at 12 Fulton Street. Your ticket also sets you on course to explore Maritime City, the Seaport Museum’s immersive, three-floor exhibition at A.A. Thomson & Co., located at 213 Water Street.
Ready for more?
Head over to our Programs and Events page to see what else is happening at the Museum. Sign up for an upcoming talk, learn more about visiting Wavertree, or explore our virtual offerings.