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Co-Presented by The Matthiessen Center & Guild Hall

Renowned marine biologist, undersea explorer, and founder of Mission Blue, Dr. Sylvia Earle explores the power of writing to illuminate what we know—and don’t know—about the ocean, where the vast majority of life remains unseen. She highlights collaborative restoration efforts with the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers, sharing measurable progress in reviving ecosystems, including returning clams and eelgrass, while emphasizing humanity’s deep dependence on the natural world.

Joined by Dr. Carl Safina, marine ecologist, author, and founder of The Safina Center, she reflects on this pivotal moment for understanding our place in the ocean’s intricate web of life.

  • Dr. Sylvia Earle

    Sylvia Earle is the founder of Mission Blue, an organization which inspires global action to explore and protect the ocean by uniting a coalition to support marine protected areas, called Hope Spots, elevating them through expeditions, media, and outreach to safeguard the ocean’s health. As one of the world’s most renowned marine biologists and undersea explorers, has spent her life illuminating the ocean’s wonders and fragility. She has authored more than 125 scientific and popular publications, led 50+ ocean expeditions with over 6,000 hours underwater, and holds the world solo diving depth record. Born in New Jersey, she earned degrees from Florida State University and Duke University. She served as Chief Scientist of NOAA, received 12 honorary doctorates, and was Time magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet.”

    Photo © Felix Kunze.

  • Carl Safina

    Renowned ecologist and writer, Carl Safina’s lyrical non-fiction explores how humans are changing the living world and what those changes mean for all species. His work combines scientific insight, emotional connection, and a moral call to action. Safina has received a MacArthur “genius” prize, Pew, Guggenheim, and NSF fellowships, and numerous book awards. He is the founding president of The Safina Center and the first Endowed Professor for Nature and Humanity at Stony Brook University. Author of ten books, including Song for the Blue Ocean and Alfie & Me, he hosted the PBS series Saving the Ocean and contributes to outlets such as The New York Times, TIME, and National Geographic.

    Photo: Ines Duran

Sponsors

Performing Arts programs are supported by 2026 season sponsors Galia Meiri-Stawski and Axel Stawski, with additional lead support from Henry and Peggy Schleiff, The Melville Straus Family Endowment, Monica and Peter Tessler, and Vital Projects Fund. 

Guild Hall’s Performing Arts programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. 

Additional support provided by Friends of the Theater: Natascia Ayers and Jim Ciquera, Bonnie and Joel Bergstein, Gene Bernstein and Kathy Walsh, Amy Cooney and Marty Feinman, John and Joan D’Addario, Suzanne and John Golden, Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan, Steve and Susan Pesner and Peace, in memory of Michéle Pesner, whose entire life was devoted to all aspects of culture, The Schaffner Family Foundation, Lisa Schultz and Ezriel Kornel, Stacey and Oliver Stanton, and Susi and Peter Wunsch. 

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