Women and Whaling Explored in 'I Am a Ship'

The Arts Center at Duck Creek will present “I Am a Ship,” Martha Pichey’s new full-length play that tells the time-bending story of two women from the same whaling family, with chanteys and original music. The play will be presented as a reading with live music on the outdoor stage at Duck Creek on Saturday, September 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. (with a raindate of September 15).

When modern-day Pearl (Jocelyn Kuritsky) loses her husband without warning, she is left with three young sons in her tumble-down childhood home. In the throes of her grief, Pearl discovers an extraordinary journal written by her great-great-great grandmother Eliza (Ma Yaa Boateng), a whaling captain’s wife who defied convention by joining her husband at sea. Diving into this weather-beaten journal gives Pearl the escape she craves. As Pearl devours Eliza’s experience on board Superior in 1858 — a journey to activate and nourish the human spirit — she begins to find the hope and strength she needs to carry on.

For Eliza’s story, “I Am a Ship” draws from the countless whaling journals written by women in the 1800s. Hundreds harnessed their courage and went to sea and nearly 80 women left behind a record of their voyage. Women brought their children along, gave birth on board and often endured the scorn of the crew. They persevered through debilitating sea sickness under primitive conditions to keep their families together. Some of these brave women came from right here on the East End.

“I’ve done extensive local research, and began this journey with ‘Maritime Mash-Ups’ at the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum and the Shelter Island Historical Society,” explained Shelter Island-based playwright Martha Pichey. “I was obsessed with the New Bedford Whaling Museum as a child, my dad’s hometown. And I was compelled to draw from personal experience for modern-day Pearl, after finding myself widowed with young children at the age of 48.”

“I Am a Ship” has a rich soundscape, steeped in the tradition of seafaring chanteys. Two singers will join Pearl and Eliza on stage with mandolin and guitar to evoke the sounds of the sea. This dynamic staged reading is an immersive journey into the world of whaling and eager for its first audience. Come hear the tale of Eliza and Pearl as they reach across time to gain strength and sisterhood through shared feelings of grief, hope, and love.

The reading is directed by actor/writer/director Meg Gibson who lives in East Hampton. Gillian Gordon is the creative producer, while Estelle Bajou is the play’s composer and John Drinkwater is a musician.

This program is free and will take place outdoors. The audience is encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets and a picnic, if you like. The Arts Center at Duck Creek is at 127 Squaw Road in East Hampton. Visit duckcreekarts.org for details.