Wetumpka Depot Players Present “Silent Sky”

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WETUMPKA, Ala. (WSFA) – A self-described “intellectual epic,” Lauren Gunderson’s “Silent Sky” is a story about love, astronomy and, above all, female empowerment.

Inspired by a true story, the series’ heroine, Henrietta Leavitt, is a young astronomer who made a major scientific breakthrough that forever changed the study of astronomy at a time when women were barely allowed to study science.

Henrietta is a young woman from the early 1900s, both intelligent and ambitious. Despite his very religious upbringing under the guidance of a pastor father, Henry always loved science and the stars.

The show begins with Henrietta’s sister, Margaret, trying to convince her sister to walk away from a morning of stargazing to join the family at church. But the two end up discussing a much bigger separation from the family. Henrietta has been offered a job as a calculator at the Harvard Observatory and she couldn’t be more thrilled. Margaret also has news, sharing that she has been asked to get married and intends to do so.

Henrietta Leavitt (Hillary Taylor, right) talking with her sister Margaret (Meagan Tuck, left)... — Henrietta Leavitt (Hillary Taylor, right) talks with her sister Margaret (Meagan Tuck, left) about their future future.(Source: WSFA)

Sad to part ways but united in their respective dreams, the sisters separate as their adult lives begin.

In Boston, Henrietta is not very happy to discover that her job as a calculator brings her no other benefits, not even a salary. She is not allowed to do real research or even touch the telescope. She quickly discovers that she and her fellow calculators are treated with little or no respect and are expected to do all the calculations for men who measure their projects in “girl hours”.

But she is not discouraged. Upon meeting one of the so-called “real astronomers”, Peter Shaw, she realizes that she is smarter than him, impressing her new colleagues, Annie Cannon and Williamina Fleming.

Peter Shaw (Ethan Montgomery, left) meets Henrietta (Hillary Taylor, center) next to his new... — Peter Shaw (Ethan Montgomery, left) meets Henrietta (Hillary Taylor, center) alongside his new colleague Williamina Fleming (Layne Holley, right)(Source: WSFA)

Over time, Henrietta proves her intelligence and ambition again and again by spending her free time pursuing her own research and theories. His work impressed not only Annie and Williamina, but also Peter Shaw and other Harvard astronomers.

Annie Cannon (Tammy Arvidson, left) and Williamina Fleming (Layne Holley, right) listen,... — Annie Cannon (Tammy Arvidson, left) and Williamina Fleming (Layne Holley, right) listen in awe as Henrietta (Hillary Taylor, center) explains her findings in frustration.(Source: WSFA)

Catching Peter’s attention in more ways than one, Henrietta and Peter begin a tentative relationship, but it is quickly cut short when Henry’s sister sends a frantic telegram regarding a family emergency. She has to return home promising to stay connected to her work and relationship through mail.

Henrietta (Taylor, left) dances with Peter (Montgomery, right) after accepting a... — Henrietta (Taylor, left) dances with Peter (Montgomery, right) after agreeing to a long-distance relationship.(Source: WSFA)

But time always has the power to change plans…

Director Kim Mason says she chose to bring this play to life at the Wetumpka Depot because of how the show touched her when she first saw it.

“The writing was so beautiful. Lauren Gunderson is just awesome,” Mason said. “I took it with me to this theater and I joke that I had to get it out, I just had to get it out somewhere.”

Hillary Taylor, the actress who plays the lead role of Henrietta, found that the story appealed to her as well.

“Everything about it being a very feminist play, I love astronomy and I love space,” Taylor said, “all those things were just a perfect reason for me to want to play this role.”

It’s a powerful story about the power of love and passion when it comes to friends, family, and scientific discovery, reminding the world of Henrietta Leavitt’s important place in history.

“I really like that the film is centered around women and their experience…in the best way that women can do it,” said Layne Holley, the actress behind Empowered Woman Williamina Fleming.

Williamina (Holley, right) strongly reminds Peter (Montgomery, Center) that just being a man... — Williamina (Holley, right) strongly reminds Peter (Montgomery, Center) that being a man does not make him a great astronomer. Annie (Arvidson, left) listens without complaint.(Source: WSFA)

“It’s fascinating for all ages…and I would love to see the houses filled with mothers and daughters, fathers and daughters, from multiple generations,” Holley said.

“I wanted people to see it. I wanted to share this story with our beautiful community,” Mason said.

(left to right) Annie Cannon (Tammy Arvidson), Williamina Fleming (Layne Holley),... — (left to right) Annie Cannon (Tammy Arvidson), Williamina Fleming (Layne Holley), Henrietta Leavitt (Hillary Taylor), Peter Shaw (Ethan Montgomery) and Margaret Leavitt (Megan Tuck).(Source: WSFA)

Witness the great Henrietta Leavitt as she revolutionizes her craft and shatters the glass ceiling that stands between her and the stars.

“Silent Sky” is on display at the Wetumka Depot until October 5. Get your tickets here!

After the show, be sure to visit Henrietta Leavitt’s Britannica biography to learn the true story of the woman who revolutionized the way we study the stars.

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