In the Zone: A Maritime Play by Eugene O’Neill

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.

---

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 exhibition galleries at the Seaport Museum is not included with this event. If you are attending in-person and would like to explore more that the Museum has to offer, book in advance or ask Museum staff about Pay What You Wish admission tickets, available Saturdays and Wednesday through Sundays from 11am to 5pm when you check in.

Admission tickets grant access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree at Pier 16 and all current exhibitions on view in the introduction galleries inside Schermerhorn Row located at 12 Fulton Street. Timed tours of the 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16 are available separately.

Advance Pay What You Wish tickets for the forthcoming Maritime City exhibition, opening in March 2025  in A.A. Thomson & Co. located at 213 Water Street are now also available. Be among the first to explore this exciting new exhibition!

---