Draft:Sea Change (play by Tamara Kissane)

Sea Change (play)

Sea Change is a play written by American playwright Tamara Kissane. It had its world premiere as part of the Burning Coal Theatre Company's "Second Stage Series" in Raleigh, North Carolina, in June 2025. Directed by Rebecca Holderness, the play explores themes of climate change, societal inequality, and familial relationships in a dystopian future.

Synopsis

Set in the year 2092, Sea Change depicts an America grappling with the devastating consequences of climate change, extreme wealth disparity, and pervasive scarcity. The narrative centers on Miranda Hayes, a National Archivist dedicated to preserving what remains of the past. Her efforts are interrupted when she is called back to the dwindling coast of North Carolina to be with her dying mother. The play delves into Miranda's internal struggle and external challenges as she contemplates the possibility—and her desire—to preserve her crumbling childhood home and mend the fractured family relationships she left behind.

Production History

The world premiere of Sea Change was presented by Burning Coal Theatre Company at its venue in Raleigh, North Carolina, as part of its "Wait Til You See This! 2025" Second Stage Series.

• Dates: June 12 – June 25, 2025
• Venue: Burning Coal Theatre, Raleigh, North Carolina
• Playwright: Tamara Kissane
• Director: Rebecca Holderness

Critical Reception

Sea Change received positive reviews following its premiere. Critics lauded the play for its timely themes, strong performances, and evocative sound design.

Kurt Benrud, reviewing for The Triangle Review, noted the play's "strong suits" and "memorable lines," particularly highlighting the powerful connections between the characters. Zoe Nagel, writing for Cultural Voice of North Carolina (CVNC.org), also provided a positive assessment of the production. Both reviews consistently praised the technical elements of the show, indicating its significant contribution to the play's atmosphere and impact. Benrud stated that "Sound and lighting are designed by Jared Rivera and Matthew Adelson, respectively. Never overt or overdone, sound and light cues emphasize changes in activity and mood." Zoe Nagel, writing for Cultural Voice of North Carolina (CVNC.org), also provided a positive assessment of the production, specifically praising Rivera's contribution: "The audience is treated to designer Jared Rivera’s soundscape of turbulent waves, radio marine forecasts, and creaking wood as a constant reminder of how precarious Sea Breeze is."

Notable Acting Performances:

• Alexandra Finazzo was singled out for her multi-role performance, most notably as Mama. The Triangle Review stated that "even though Finazzo goes with gusto in all four roles [Mama, Archive Intern 2, Mary, and Random Person], it is these two [Mama and Archive Intern 2] that her skills shine the brightest." Zoe Nagel of Cultural Voice of North Carolina described Finazzo as "devastatingly effective as Beverly and Miranda’s mother," adding, "Finazzo’s transcendent final monologue welcomes the chill of death – the first time her character has actually felt physically cold since she was a child."
• Christa Irby as Beverly was praised by The Triangle Review for being "persistent and insistent, advocating the 'family-over-job' position," noting that "Irby adroitly displays Beverly's concern about Mama and about the future."
• Jack Wood, in his main role as JT, Miranda's former love-interest, was highlighted by The Triangle Review for his "strongest performances" in the "2092 Sea Breeze scenes," despite much of what is learned about JT coming from "flashback voice memos from the 2072 era."

External Links

• The Triangle Review - Kurt Benrud's Review of SEA CHANGE
• Cultural Voice of North Carolina (CNVC.org) - Review by Zoe Nagel
• Burning Coal Theatre Company - Second Stage Series

References