Rupa Mannan

Silent Sky is a historical dramatisation of the life of Astronomer Henrietta Leavitt written by American playwright Lauren Gunderson. It is an important story about the unique challenges surrounding the pursuit of achievement, particularly for women.

It explores the difficult decisions Leavitt faced in pursuing knowledge and fulfilling expected societal roles. Set during a time of social change in the early 1900s, the themes are still relevant today in many ways.

Henrietta Leavitt, born in 1868, discovered a relationship between the luminosity of pulsating stars known as Cepheids and distances. Her work is intrinsic to understanding the magnitude of the universe and is relied upon by Edwin Hubble, amongst others.

A sparkling cast of four women gave strong performances. Brittany Daw, as Henrietta, the protagonist of the play, was very endearing. Brittany balanced Henrietta’s strength with her humanity in the challenges she faced. Tianna Cooper, as Margaret, juxtaposed Henrietta so beautifully as a woman with a different sense of purpose.

Joanne St Clair’s performance as Williamina Fleming was excellent. Her Scottish accent was fantastic, and her delivery of Williamina’s flawless punchlines was spot on. Deborah Walsh’s performance as Annie Jump Cannon, a strong supporting female role, delivered comedy, strength, and warmth—a difficult combination executed perfectly.

Josh Van’t Padje, as Peter Shaw complimented these twinkling stars with his own stage luminosity, jumping well from a harsh Harvard supervisor to a coy suitor and eventually a somewhat confused and heartbroken man.

The set design, music, and lighting were particularly well executed, particularly with the abstract nature of the scene transitions and locations. I must confess I was particularly impressed by the majestically sized telescope centre stage! The costumes reflected the period well. The performance was well received by the audience.

Overall a stellar performance of Silent Sky by the St Judes players and Director Lesley Reed. St Judes Players community theatre group in Brighton has its 75th Diamond Anniversary this year. Silent Sky’s production is a twinkling diamond achievement for all involved.

I would recommend it to everyone. It is an inspiring, witty, and warm depiction of the challenges women face in following their dreams.

Don’t miss out – there are only two shows remaining, the 16th & 17th of August!

For Bookings:-

Telephone: 0436 262 628
Email: [email protected]
www.stjudesplayers.asn.au

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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