A CELESTIAL ROMANCE AND TRUE STORY OF DISCOVERY
Silent Sky follows the true story of 19th Century scientist Henrietta Leavitt, whose breakthroughs in astronomy profoundly impacted the way we see the universe. After securing a position at the renowned Harvard Observatory, Henrietta is torn between family obligation and her soaring ambition. This luminously beautiful play celebrates the brilliance of women during a time of great scientific and social progress and how one woman’s determination forever altered the course of scientific history. An inspirational drama bursting with smart, infectious humor.
Drama

Director’s Note

​When we began discussions for the design of Silent Sky, we excitedly spoke of the all-encompassing expanse of the cosmos and the grandeur of the halls of Harvard. Both need to exist and often change at a moment’s notice. A
wild, ethereal mystery that jumps to sturdy dark woods and old rare books. A true challenge given to us by the brilliant Lauren Gunderson.

Then the truth of history hit me square in the face. These women were not allowed anywhere near the prestige of Harvard’s lecture halls or in the observatory itself. Instead, they were crammed into a small room, with the most basic tools, and asked to undertake the painstaking task of mapping the stars—all on a salary equivalent to the lowest laborer at a factory.

What happens to us, as people, when we lock these stories away or when we credit others who seem more “appropriate”? We are robbed of the magnificent, diverse truth of our rich history and the giant kaleidoscope of humanity that gave it to us. We are denied inspiration and strength from the most unlikely places! All of us have our own stories of passion, dedication, and overcoming obstacles, and by sharing them, we may just inspire someone to go forward after feeling hopeless. That is what makes Silent Sky so exquisite.

The plain truth is a beautiful gift for us to slowly unravel and delve into with joy. It’s where we find our connection to one another under the same sky and all its brilliant mysteries. There’s hardship and pain, but there’s also daring, humor, love, rebelliousness, candor, and sheer determination fueled by passion. In this production, we soak up every bit. How lucky are we to jump on this ride and peek into the life of Henrietta Swan Leavitt as she makes one of science’s greatest discoveries? Theatre gives us that gift, taking us anywhere and everywhere. Here’s to a future of unfurling, seeking, and discovering through all the stunning voices of a planet filled with souls who were told “no” but were determined to do it anyway.