Silent Sky at the Empress Theatre

I enjoyed HCT's production of Silent Sky a few years ago so I was really excited to see it again at the Empress Theatre last night. This is a much more stripped down version than the one at Hale but it is just as moving (maybe more so). It tells the true story of Henrietta Leavitt (Alyssa Powers) 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 (Carina Dillon) and Williamina Fleming (Stacy Mayren). 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 glass photographic plates taken from the telescope in order 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 (Madison Moretti) over family obligations and with her supervisor Peter Shaw (Alexander Richardson) over their romantic relationship. This is a simple story but what makes it so compelling for me is the juxtaposition between the two sisters. Margaret believes in home, family, and religion while Henrietta believes in hard work, exploration, and science but they both look to the sky to find the light they seek. The entire cast is outstanding but I was particularly impressed by Powers because she is able to portray so many different emotions very convincingly, such as exasperation at her lack of opportunity in the department, single-minded determination to succeed, giddiness at the possibility of love (I loved it every time she twirled), and wonder at the infinite nature of the universe. I also really enjoyed Dillon's imperious manner as a martinet in the office, Mayren's sassy Scottish brogue and hilarious facial expressions and gestures, and Richardson's awkwardness as he tries to get Henrietta's attention. I loved the staging because there are so many little moments that have a big impact, especially when the actors stand under a spotlight to read the letters between the characters. The minimal set consists of several tables and chairs that are reconfigured to become an academic office at Harvard, Margaret's home in Wisconsin, and Henrietta's apartment in Cambridge. There are no props because the actors pantomime handling various objects, including the glass photographic plates (these are painted on the stage and they are an incredibly dramatic focal point), and I loved this bold choice because I think it emphasizes the theme of discovery. I also loved the use of dramatic images from space shown on screens during scene changes. This production is outstanding and I now count it as one of my favorites from this theatre. I highly encourage getting a ticket (go here) for one of the remaining performances through June 22 because it deserves to be seen by a large audience.