Silent Sky at HCT

Last night I went to see HCT's beautiful production of Silent Sky and I loved this incredibly moving play so much! It tells the true story of Henrietta Leavitt (Becca Ingram) who begins working at Harvard University in 1900 as a human computer in the astronomy department along with a "harem" of women, including Annie Cannon (Tamari Dunbar) and Williamina Fleming (Samantha Beyer). She is very eager to use the university's refracting telescope to find answers to all of her questions about the universe but she is not allowed to because she is a woman. She may only use the images on photographic plates taken from the telescope to map the stars and she must keep her analysis to herself. Despite these obstacles she is able to make an important discovery that allows future astronomers to calculate the distance between galaxies but her dedication to her work puts her at odds with her sister Margaret (Madeline McBeth) over family obligations and with her supervisor Peter Shaw (Dallin Bradshaw) over their romantic relationship. One of the things I really loved about this play is the juxtaposition between the two sisters because Margaret believes in home, family, and religion while Henrietta believes in hard work, exploration, and science but they both find the light they seek. The story is simple but incredibly compelling and that is due in large part to the lovely performance by Ingram. She portrays many different emotions very convincingly such as exasperation at her lack of opportunity in the department, singleminded determination to succeed, giddiness at the possibility of love, and wonder at the infinite nature of the universe. Her final monologue about her legacy is delivered so powerfully I had a tear in my eye. The rest of the cast is equally strong and I particularly enjoyed Beyer's sassy Scottish brogue and Bradshaw's awkwardness as he tries to get Henrietta's attention. As usual, the set for this production is amazing. The stage features a map of the constellations upon which sits a large wooden box (it reminded me of a large old-fashioned card catalog) with cupboards and drawers that open to reveal desks, chairs, and other items found in an academic office. The box rotates several times for Margaret's home in Wisconsin or Henrietta's apartment in Cambridge during different scenes. Many characters stand on top of the box, accessed by drawers which are converted into stairs, when communicating with Henrietta through letters. Above the box is the outline of a large lens of a telescope and during a poignant moment in the show it is lowered to display projections from space and this gave me goosebumps. There are also projections of stars throughout the theater and I found myself looking up with wonder multiple times! I honestly had no idea what to expect when I walked into the theater last night but I ended up loving this beautiful play and I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here).  It runs on the Sorenson Legacy Jewel Box Stage through August 27.

Note:  Don't miss out on seeing the delightful production of Singin' in the Rain on the Young Living Main Stage through August 13 (go here for tickets).