| Description |
Blue Lias deals with confrontations of religion and science in nineteenth century England--as well as issues of class and gender--given expression in the life, personality and career of famed fossil collector Mary Anning (1799-1847). Anning, who is sometimes credited with discovery of the first fossils of Ichthyosaurus, received little credit for her path-breaking work from England's male-dominated scientific community.
Stevens also portrays Anning’s nemesis, the eccentric, humorously self-important William Buckland, who often helped himself to her work. A clergyman as well as an Oxford geologist, Buckland, like many of his contemporaries, wrestled with the fossil evidence disclosed by Anning and others, attempting to reconcile scientific discoveries with biblical accounts. Through musical and dramatic performance, and using letters and impressions by contemporaries, Stevens enriches her depiction of complex and significant characters and issues in the history of science.
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
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