The dark side of scientific progress takes center stage at the University Theatre’s spring production, “Radium Girls” by D.W. Gregory. Under the direction of guest artist Willow Jade Norton Zolan , the play opens on April 17 and runs through May 3 in the Hope Theatre.
The play, set in 1926, tells the true story of women who paint watch faces with a luminous radium-based paint once believed to be a miracle substance. But as the women begin to fall ill from the toxic radium, the protagonist, Grace Fryer, a dial painter, becomes the face of the fight against the U.S. Radium Corporation and faces resistance from all sides, including the women's loved ones, as she takes on the corporation.
"Radium Girls" examines important themes
“Radium Girls” is written with humor, wit and heart. It is a fast-paced ensemble play with 10 actors playing over 30 roles. It examines themes about corporate responsibility, public health, the American obsession with profit and the commercialization of science.
Norton Zolan, the director, emphasizes the production’s central message, saying that “'Radium Girls’ illuminates the enduring struggle for labor rights, justice and accountability, tracing the intersection of scientific advancement, corporate power and women’s agency. The playwright invites us — Americans in particular — to consider whether we are capable of learning from our past. Can we choose a path that is more equitable, more sustainable and ultimately more humane, even when it is less convenient or popular?”
The production is brought to life by a versatile ensemble, with students playing a variety of roles, from factory workers to scientists and activists who play a part in the legal and moral battle.
Through her direction, Norton Zolan hopes to bring to the show, “A rhythm and a sense of timing, both figuratively and literally, finding beauty amongst the rotting and sharing out that complexity.”
“Radium Girls” combines student talent and professional expertise to provide a captivating and entertaining experience. The powerful story encourages audiences to think about the price of progress and what is needed to demand accountability.
Performance details and how to get tickets
The show features a cast of students: Dusty Stratton ’28 as Grace; Anie Heffernan ’27 as Kathryn/Society Woman/Harriet/Shop Girl/Board Member No. 1; Maylie Knapp ’29 as Irene/Miss Wiley/Board Member No. 2/Mrs. Michaels; Jane Treadway ’29 as Sob Sister/MacNeil/Clerk/Mrs. Fryer; Ivy Shankle ’26 as Mrs. Roeder/Madame Curie/Customer/Board Member No. 3; Aiden Lopez ’29 as Lee/Drinker/Bailey/Lovesick Cowboy/Male Shopper/Court; Akash Dhruva ’26 as Berry/Martland/Flinn/Store Owner; Teddy Skyler ’27 as Tom/Reporter/Knef/Venison Salesman; Mason Bruderer ’29 as Markley/Von Sochocky/Elderly Widow/Photographer; and Jesse Brown ’27 as Roeder.
Student members of the production team include: Riley Thames ’28, assistant director; Ollie Twitchell ’26 and Ali Dittenhauser ’26, costume designers; Ryan Jansen ’27, assistant costume designer; Emma Kirby ’26, properties designer; Kio Hill ’26, stage manager; and Seth Avila ’27, assistant stage manager. Karlie Guilliot serves as dramaturg (graduate student).
Faculty members of the production team include Willow Jade Norton Zolan , guest director; Janet Rose, lighting designer; Mary Jungels Goodyear , scenic designer; and Bradley Branam , technical director and sound designer.
“Radium Girls” runs in Hope Theatre on April 17, 18, 24, 25, 26*, May 1, 2 and 3* (evening performances at 7:30 p.m.; *matinees at 2 p.m.). Tickets are available through the University Theatre box office.
— By Harper Wells, College of Arts and Sciences