Invasive Species

Why watch Invasive Species

• A semi‑autobiographical dark comedy by Maia Novi, based on her Yale drama school breakdown, Invasive Species is a true story about an immigrant actor's relentless pursuit of her American dream.
• Following its Off‑Broadway Vineyard hit, this Francis Ford Coppola–style performance earned rave reviews and praise from The New York Times and Hollywood Reporter—book your tickets now.
• Tackling immigration, mental health, identity and ambition, Invasive Species blends sharp staging and raw storytelling, performed and written by Maia herself.
• Directed by Michael Breslin (Circle Jerk), a Pulitzer finalist known for genre-bending theater, Invasive Species is raw, rapid, and brutally intimate.
• Running just for five weeks at King’s Head Theatre—critics have called it “an 80‑minute thrill ride,” with the show even garnering 17 million views on TikTok.

The story

Invasive Species chronicles the journey of Maia Novi, a daring immigrant actor who will stop at nothing to make her dream of appearing in American movies come true. Her path, however, leads her into a youth psychiatric ward, where she must rely on her acting skills to escape.

Invasive Species

Embarking on a journey to uncover nature's most resilient interlopers, visitors will traverse through lush greenery and urban landscapes alike, discovering how these species have altered local ecosystems. This tour is crafted for explorers of the natural world, devotees of botanical mysteries, and seekers of environmental conservation stories. Did you know that the North American water chestnut was introduced in the early 1900s and has since spread across numerous bodies of water? With expert guides leading the way through various habitats, from woodlands to wetlands, this expedition provides a comprehensive understanding of how invasive species impact native flora and fauna, their methods of propagation, and strategies for mitigation. This journey weaves together ecological exploration and scientific inquiry, offering memorable encounters to forge an appreciation for biodiversity while understanding that every ecosystem is a delicate balance that requires vigilant stewardship.

Discovering the Japanese Knotweed's Resilient Growth

Visit Japanese knotweed during the tour’s highlight segment where it thrives along riversides and urban wastelands. Access this invasive plant included in the tour package enabling visitors to see firsthand how its rapid growth rate can outcompete native species, reducing biodiversity. Explore its thick stands of bamboo-like stems and heart-shaped leaves that carpet large areas, often reaching heights of up to ten feet tall. Marvel at how it has spread across Europe and North America since the 1800s, becoming one of the most problematic invasive plants in these regions due to its ability to grow through concrete and foundations.

Witnessing the Zebra Mussel's Rapid Colonization

Experience zebra mussels as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring aquatic ecosystems. Access Lake Constance during the tour package, showcasing how this species has rapidly colonized freshwater environments since its accidental introduction in the 1980s via ballast water from ships. Explore dense colonies that can cover entire surfaces of submerged objects, often reaching populations of up to ten thousand individuals per square meter. Witness how these tiny creatures filter vast amounts of water daily and alter nutrient cycles, impacting local fish populations and water quality.

Wandering Through the Common Reed's Dominant Presence