When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and 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 true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, 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.
“Silent Sky” will be performed at the Versant Power Astronomy Center and the Maynard Jordan Planetarium, 167 Rangely Road, UMaine, Orono, ME.
Performance dates and times are March 23-26 (no show on Saturday, March 25) and March 30-April 1 (no show on Friday, March 31.
Thursday and Friday shows are presented at 7pm;
Saturday April 1 features two performances, at 2pm (followed by a Q&A with cast, crew, and observatory staff) and 7pm (followed by star gazing at the observatory, skies permitting); and Sunday shows are presented at 4pm.
Tickets are $20 and will be available at the door and online at https://astro.umaine.edu/silent-sky/.
True North Theatre was founded in October of 2016 in Orono, Maine, by a group of people committed to high quality productions and a positive working environment. Our mission is to entertain, educate, and inspire through high quality productions that highlight the breadth, depth, and complexity of the human experience. We strive to be recognized as an active, vibrant place for actors and designers to experiment, learn, and share their love of theatre while producing professional quality productions that encompass a variety of genres and styles. As theatre artists, our company strives to embody joy, inclusiveness, tradition, innovation, and respect. True North Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
For more information, visit the True North Theatre webpage (www.truenorththeatre.org), Versant Power Astronomy Center and Maynard Jordan Planetarium’s webpage (https://astro.umaine.edu/silent-sky/), and continue to check out or Facebook and Instagram (www.instagram.com/truenorththeatre) profiles. You can also email us at info@truenorththeatre.org, or call (207) 619-4833.
“Silent Sky” is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, New York.