Silent Sky

Silent Sky illuminates The Theatre on Chester, bursting forth with intellect, humanity, love and stellar star performances. 

Lauren Gunderson's script weaves a beautiful tale that celebrates the tenacity and brilliance of the life and work of the early 20th-century women astronomers at the Harvard Observatory—in particular, paying homage to Henrietta Leavitt and her invaluable contributions to astronomy.

The protagonist, Henrietta, is a brilliant and determined astronomer driven by her passion for the stars. Her intellect and persistence led to groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy despite the obstacles posed by her hearing impairment and societal constraints on women. Her character is a celebration of unyielding curiosity and courage, challenging the norms of her time and Angela Pezzano delivers a stunning performance. She is bright and fierce, her determination enticing the audience into her world of stars of discovery—of a woman ahead of her time.

Alongside Pezzano, Anna Desjardins as Willamina Fleming and Julie Moore as Annie Canon offer wonderfully engaging performances. 

Desjardins' Willamina is witty and wise, bringing humour and warmth. A Scottish astronomer and colleague of Henrietta, Williamina is the humorous and spirited presence within the group. Her practical wisdom and Desjardins’ comic timing find lighter moments and ensure they land with the audience. 

At the same time, Moore’s portrayal of Annie delivers a grounding presence, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of women in the male-dominated field of science. Annie, a pioneering astronomer and suffragette, is Henrietta's role model and mentor. With her no-nonsense attitude and commitment to women's rights, Annie represents the progressive force pushing for equality and recognition of women in science.

Together, this trio forms a dynamic ensemble, their chemistry rich. 

Henrietta's sister, Margaret (Tida Dhanommitrapap), is grounded in tradition and family, representing the more conventional role of women in the early 1900s. Her relationship with Henrietta highlights the tension and balance between familial responsibilities and personal ambitions and the scenes between the two feel very real. 

Peter Shaw (David Eisenhauer) is the male counterpart and love interest for Henrietta. His character provides insight into the gender dynamics of the time and evolves as he grows to respect and admire Henrietta's intellect and contributions, ultimately supporting her work and recognising her genius. As Peter’s relationship with He Rita changes, so does the audience. 

Director Tracey Okeby Lucan’s vision for Silent Sky is grand yet intimate. She succeeds in bringing Gunderson's script to life with a thoughtful balance of emotional and scientific intrigue, making the stars above seem within reach.

The production’s design elements are equally functional, and simple furnishings take us back more than a century ago. They are backed by a brilliant universe painted by Michael Arvithis that seamlessly reflects the passage of time and space. The pairing is based on photographs of the small Magellanic clouds taken by NASA. The lighting design by Mike Brew and Milo McDermird beautifully mimics the sky, with stars dotting the backdrop and lighting of a purple-blue hue, while Carla Moore’s costume design is effective with each character wearing an era-appropriate costume, which for some changed as they did. I have to say I loved Annie’s shoes and the suffragette sash was a great touch. 

Silent Sky is more than I was expecting. It is more than a historical recount; it celebrates the human spirit and intellect. It casts a light on forgotten heroines whose contributions to astronomy laid the foundation for future discoveries.

The Theatre on Chester offers a celestial experience. Whether you are a lover of science, history, or theatre, this production is engaging, educational, and uplifting. Each character plays a crucial role in bringing to life the story of women who illuminate the universe while navigating the complexities of gender-based discrimination and personal sacrifices. 

Prepare to be dazzled by the stars of the stage, who shine as brightly as those in the sky.

Nicole Smith