Silent Sky
by Laura Gunderson
Audition Dates (subject to change):
Wednesday, December 17 @ 7:00 pm
Thursday, December 18 @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 20 @ 1:00 pm
Show Dates:
February 27, 28 and March 1, 6, 7, 8 (Friday and Saturday @ 7:00 pm, Sundays @ 2:00 pm)
Director: David P. Wahr
Synopsis:
Silent Sky is based on the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, the astronomer ahead of her time. It is 1900, and Henrietta has the opportunity to work at Harvard University as a human computer, one of Dr. Edward Pickering’s “harem,” mapping the stars but receiving no scientific credit. When Henrietta arrives, she is eager to use Harvard’s telescope – the Great Refractor – but is told that she will not be able to do any sort of astronomical discovery as she will only log the stars photographed by the men of the department. However, Henrietta will not be dissuaded, and begins the process of recording the changes in Cepheid stars – a scientific discovery that has profound and lasting impact on the field of astronomy.
During her inquiry, Henrietta’s relationships strain under her obsessive work ethic; her sister Margaret, her love interest Peter Shaw, and her colleagues Annie Cannon and Williamina Fleming all find themselves pushed aside in favor of a great cosmic mystery. Silent Sky is the poignant tale of a woman’s dedication to the stars, and the human touch that makes life under the vast sky beautiful and timeless.
Characters:
Note: the play takes place over two decades. Ages indicated are at the start of the play and suggested by the playwright. The director may exercise his judgement and cast differently.
Henrietta Leavitt (F), 20s, Raised in Wisconsin, the daughter of a minister, and hired as a Harvard College Observatory “computer,” Henrietta is a non-traditional early 1900s woman. She aspires to work as an astronomer. She is passionate about her work and feels compelled to find answers to her questions about the universe. Brilliant, meticulous, excited. Wears a period hearing aid.
Margaret Leavitt: (F), 20s, Henrietta’s sister, homebody, sweet, creative, plays piano. Henrietta’s younger sister and a gifted musician. She stays at home and is a traditional early 1900s woman. She marries and has a child. She is concerned about Henrietta’s ambition, as it goes against the traditional norms for
women at the time; however, she is supportive of her sister and celebrates her accomplishments.
Peter Shaw: (M), 30s, the head astronomer’s apprentice and supervisor of the women at the observatory. In contrast to Henrietta, he is not passionate about astronomy, although he enjoys the work. He wanted to be an actor. He falls in love with Henrietta.
Annie Cannon: (F), 40s, Henrietta’s co-worker, she has made important scientific discoveries of her own and is a suffragette. A leader of the group of women, terse and sure of herself, a firebrand. In a relationship with Williamina.
Williamina Fleming: (F), 50s, Scottish, smart as a whip and fun. A former housekeeper for Dr. Pickering, head of the Harvard College Observatory, she was hired because Dr. Pickering felt she would do better than the men he had working for him. She is smart and quick-witted. In a relationship with Annie. Scottish accent a plus!
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