The Mainstage Season Series at William Woods University(WWU) will resume this week for the 2022-2023 academic year, as the University’s drama department will stage a unique historical play based on the real life of a noted 19th century astronomer in “Silent Sky.” This week’s stage production will begin with the opening performance on Thursday, December 1, at Dulany Auditorium on the WWU campus.
“Silent Sky” tells the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, who began work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900’s. As a woman in an exclusively man’s world, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea, and is instead relegated, along with the other women, to charting stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and who has no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The story explores the connection between social and scientific progress, which can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications. Henrietta and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and earth.
“The true story of Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men could claim credit for them,” said Joe Potter, Artistic Director of the William Woods University Theatre Department. “Come join us for an interesting and thought-provoking evening of theatre.”
Performances for Silent Sky will take place December 1 – December 3 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee showing on Saturday, December 3 at 2 p.m., all in Dulany Auditorium. Tickets for the production ($8) must be purchased using a credit or debit card at https://www.showtix4u.com. Attendees must have their purchased ticket pulled up on their phone for admittance into the theatre. All seating is now in a general admission format. Parental Guidance is recommended
Other productions for the 2022-2023 academic year will be “These Shining Lives” February 23-25, 2023, and “The Sweet Delilah Swim Club,” April 20-22, 2023.
