OWU Presents “Radium Girls” in Delaware, Ohio

Radium Girls work in a factory of the United States Radium Corporation.

Ohio Wesleyan University will host five perfomances of “Radium Girls” on February 5, 6, 12, 13, and 14.

Inspired by true and tragic events, the play follows three female factory workers who contract radiation poisoning from painting watch dials with glow-in-the-dark paint in the 1920s. Their subsequent court battle establishes the right of workers who develop occupational diseases to sue their employers.

All performances will be at 8 p.m. except  at 2 p.m. on February 14. All performances will be held in the Studio Theatre of Chappelear Drama Center on the Ohio Wesleyan campus.

The cast and crew include more than 60 Ohio Wesleyan students. Lead actors are sophomores Misa Farslow and  Sophie Rosenthal, and freshman Leah Shaeffer. Stage-manager is Radnor-junior Carie Clark.

Critics say “Radium Girls” offers an unflinching look at obsessions with health, corporate wealth, and commercialization of science. The contemporary play by D.W. Gregory premiered in 2000 at the Playwright’s Theatre of New Jersey. It has been described by the Chicago Stage Review as a “hidden treasure.” Gregory has written other successful plays that have been produced worldwide, including “The Good Girl is Gone.”

“Radium Girls” is presented in support of this year’s Sagan National Colloquium theme of “Renewing America for a Global Century.” This play focuses on hazardous working conditions and the emphasis of profit over worker health during the rise of the American 20th century economy. “This production will serve as a forum for ongoing discussion about the compelling issues related to workers being exposed to hazardous conditions as rising global economies strive to turn raw materials into revenue,” said OWU Professor of Theatre and Dance D. Glenn Vanderbilt.

To reserve tickets for Ohio Wesleyan’s production of “Radium Girls,” call the theatre and dance department at (740) 368-3855 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission, and $5 for Ohio Wesleyan employees, non-OWU students, and senior citizens. Admission is free for OWU students with a valid ID.

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