Buried Treasures

by John Mabey

10-MINUTE PLAY: There's a small patch of land in Fontana Lake, North Carolina, with the remnants of Proctor - a former town that remains submerged but sometimes reveals itself to those who seek.

Here, two siblings are swept away by the currents of their relationship. But the promise of buried treasures is either a buoy or an anchor.

HONORS:
* FIRST PRIZE, PLAYWRITING - Blue Institute, 2023

10-MINUTE PLAY: There's a small patch of land in Fontana Lake, North Carolina, with the remnants of Proctor - a former town that remains submerged but sometimes reveals itself to those who seek.

Here, two siblings are swept away by the currents of their relationship. But the promise of buried treasures is either a buoy or an anchor.

HONORS:
* FIRST PRIZE, PLAYWRITING - Blue Institute, 2023

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Buried Treasures

Recommended by

  • Peter Turner: Buried Treasures by John Mabey
    “

    This is a rich play for two actors to dig into. Nothing is obvious, yet there are meanings to discover and loads of subtext to plumb. An intelligent piece with true depth of emotion.

    This is a rich play for two actors to dig into. Nothing is obvious, yet there are meanings to discover and loads of subtext to plumb. An intelligent piece with true depth of emotion.

    ”
  • The Depot for New Play Readings: Buried Treasures by John Mabey
    “

    John Mabey’s “Buried Treasures” brings us two characters searching for the past, for something they are missing, something that was taken from them. The language is particular, familiar but surprising, and the setting, beside a river that rises and falls, reflects the play’s undercurrent of emotion. While realistic in its portrayal of sibling love and rivalry, “Buried Treasures” moves the audience with its lyricism and the power in what is left unsaid. The play is ideal for children’s theater and would be a welcome addition to any evening of short plays about family.

    John Mabey’s “Buried Treasures” brings us two characters searching for the past, for something they are missing, something that was taken from them. The language is particular, familiar but surprising, and the setting, beside a river that rises and falls, reflects the play’s undercurrent of emotion. While realistic in its portrayal of sibling love and rivalry, “Buried Treasures” moves the audience with its lyricism and the power in what is left unsaid. The play is ideal for children’s theater and would be a welcome addition to any evening of short plays about family.

    ”
  • John Busser: Buried Treasures by John Mabey
    “

    There are some hidden depths to this play by John Mabey that are worth digging up. I know that sounds like I'm making a joke here considering the plot line, but honestly, Mabey doesn't write "obvious" plays. There is subtlety, nuance and considered meanings that go beyond the surface. Sometimes people keep their feelings and motivations buried (again, not making a joke, it really is the best term to use) and only through reaching out and trying to connect, can these woman learn what truly connects them. What they find may have nothing to do with what's in the ground.

    There are some hidden depths to this play by John Mabey that are worth digging up. I know that sounds like I'm making a joke here considering the plot line, but honestly, Mabey doesn't write "obvious" plays. There is subtlety, nuance and considered meanings that go beyond the surface. Sometimes people keep their feelings and motivations buried (again, not making a joke, it really is the best term to use) and only through reaching out and trying to connect, can these woman learn what truly connects them. What they find may have nothing to do with what's in the ground.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

  • Agnes
    Late teens
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Ava
    Late 20s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

Awards

  • First Prize
    Blue Institute
    Winner
    2023