Chrysalis

February 16th - February 26th, 2023

Wildcard Wednesday (VU Community Only): Feb. 15th

Opening Night: Feb. 16 | Speaker's Series: Feb. 19

DATE CHANGE | Drinks with the Dramaturg: Saturday, Feb. 18th, 7PM

All performances at 8pm except Sunday 2pm

RUN TIME: approximately 2 and 1/2 hours with one 15 minute intermission

Written by Kathryn Petersen

Directed by Edward Sobel

Developed at Villanova in 2019 through the Sue Winge Award for Playwriting, Chrysalis explores the metamorphosis of Maria Sybilla Merian, 17th-century illustrator and naturalist, and her teenage daughter, Dorothea, as they redraw the lines of their personal and professional relationship. Determined to be taken seriously for her scientific discoveries in a male-dominated field, Maria embarks on a risky investigation that ultimately challenges how well she and her daughter know themselves and each other.

 

Content Guide

If you want to learn more about the content of this show, please click below for specific content alerts. If you have further questions, contact the box office.

Content warnings "are verbal or written notices that precede potentially sensitive content." Content warnings differ from spoilers because they don’t explain plot or context. Similarly to a rating on a movie or TV show, content warnings give the audience a heads up about potentially triggering topics in the performance. We hope that providing the following content warnings will equip our audiences with the tools they need to engage with the performance in a meaningful and fulfilling way.

Like all good art, theatre asks audiences to engage with universal questions on a personal, sometimes challenging level. At the same time, please do note that there is a difference between trauma and discomfort. Without the latter, we can narrow and limit our experiences in ways detrimental to ourselves as individuals and as members of this community. Please use your best judgment and exercise self-care as needed.