In keeping with the spirit of the times, the 2019 restaging of “Silent Sky” shines a light on the power and strength of women. Playwright Lauren Gunderson lifts from the pages of science history to bring to the stage the story of Henrietta Leavitt, one of the greatest minds in the world astronomy, who remains as unrecognized today as she was in her own time, a century ago.
Leavitt was among the Harvard Computers: women hired by the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s to painstakingly analyze and catalog every observable star in the heavens. She, along with Annie Cannon and Williamina Fleming, was among the first women to blaze a trail for themselves in the heavily male-dominated science of astronomy.
Leavitt battled with a disability, family tragedy, and tremendous societal pressure to give up her passion for science. Her grit and fire ultimately paid off when her personal research led to her discovery of a distinct mathematical pattern in the stars — a pattern that would, for the first time, enable humans to measure the very breadth of the universe itself and contemplate on the immense beauty of the cosmos.
Repertory Philippines’ production of “Silent Sky” premiered last March at the Onstage Theater in celebration of International Women’s Day. This re-staging at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium once again brings together the artistic team composed of Philstage Gawad Buhay awardees Joey Mendoza (production design), John Batalla (lighting design), and Jethro Joaquin (sound design). Director Joy Virata has assembled original cast members Cathy Azanza-Dy, Caisa Borromeo, Naths Everett, and Topper Fabregas, who now steps in as assistant director, to reprise their roles. Rounding out the cast is renowned screenwriter and producer Bibet hOrteza, who is making her much-awaited return to the Philippine stage. She shall be tackling the role of the brilliant astronomer Annie Cannon.
The show, in partnership with WhenInManila.com and Meralco, will play at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza for two weekends from February 1 to 10, 2019. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:00 pm. You may call Ticketworld at 8919999 to buy your tickets. You may email riapangprojects@gmail.com for block buying opportunities.
