By April Johnson @APRILBLAKE_
Many of the people who contributed to scientific breakthroughs throughout history have been forgotten.
“Silent Sky” is a play based on the struggles Henrietta Leavitt and the other female astronomers at Harvard faced as women at the turn of the 20th century. They were underestimated and discriminated against because of their gender.
The play stars Amber Hill as Henrietta Leavitt, Alynn Lima as her sister Margaret Leavitt, Niall Malone as Leavitt’s love interest Peter Shaw, Hannah Ramirez as Williamina Fleming and Kaitlin Bailey as Annie Jump Cannon.
Director Titian Lish believes this a story that needs to be told. “’Silent Sky’ stuck with me because it’s a really beautiful play about the power of science, wonder and dedication, at a time in which women were not necessarily honored for having those things,” Lish said.
Lish wants to remind students of the role women have played in our history.
“It really bears the question, ‘How many women and other people have remarkably changed our world, and yet were largely forgotten by history?’” she said.
Much of the cast shared her sentiment. They enjoyed learning about the contributions these women made. The actors feel like the importance of Leavitt’s story can make an impact on whoever sees the play.
“I feel like ‘Silent Sky’ is for a very general audience. It’s about astronomy, but anyone can totally catch on to what’s happening. It’s an amazing play,” Lima said.
Malone said, “If the audience is not understanding the scientific references then they have a nice love story to watch.”
“There are a lot of universal themes I think anyone can identify with: the struggle of romance, finding time for yourself as well as your family, and identity crisis,” Hill said.
“I think that it’s appealing to anyone that appreciates space and beauty and nature,” Ramirez said.
With the success of earlier plays such as “The Addams Family,” many people are expecting “Silent Sky” to be a hit.
“Silent Sky” will be playing in the Black Box Theater in the 4000 building, Dec. 2-11. The play will start at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays 2:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets can be purchased at http://www.laspositas.edu/performingarts.