Silent Sky
by Lauren Gunderson

Silent Sky Book Cover
Silent Sky Cover

Synopsis

Play - 4w, 1mWhen 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 Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.

Performance

Cast

A small cast size of 5 total roles, 4 female and 1 male roles.

Publication

Year Published
2015
ISBN 10
0822233800
ISBN 13
9780822233800
Binding
Paperback
Print Length
63 pages
Language
English
LCC
PS3607.U5474 S55 2015
Print
Silent Sky is a American historical play written by and published by Dramatists Play Service in 2015. The print edition has an ISBN-13 of 9780822233800 and an ISBN-10 of 0822233800.

Rating

4.26 out of 5

from 606 ratings and 74 reviews

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