A lesson in history was spoken while the students and stage crew shined on and off the stage when Radium Girls was presented from Thursday, December 5 through Saturday, December 7.
The production of Radium Girls was brought to the Bridgewater-Raritan High School auditorium by the highly acclaimed Bridgewater-Raritan High School Theatre Arts.
The efforts on stage were sensational while the work behind curtains was equally impressive.
While these gifted high school students starred in front of appreciative audiences each evening, their story is one that many in the community are now educated on.
Radium Girls is D.W. Gregory’s gripping drama based on the true story of female laborers who were poisoned and killed by their factory’s radium-based paint. Though Radium Girls ranges from 1918 through the 1940s, the bulk of the narrative is centered on events in Essex County, New Jersey, in the mid-1920s.
The driving force behind this wonderful performance was the Bridgewater-Raritan Theatre Arts Director, Heather Diaforli-Day.
Her director’s note here below explains the mission accomplished by her students.
“This story is about resilience, justice and the enduring power of light. The quote “We were artists,” reminds us that the women who printed these luminous dials did so with pride and creativity, unaware of the danger. Even in the face of devastation, they continued to fight–for themselves, for the truth, and for the future. Their light did not end with their lives; their light continues to shine, inspiring us today. “
“As artists, the actors on stage and the crew working behind the scenes are honoring the legacy of these brave women. Through their passion, dedication, and talent, they spread light in their own way, illuminating the stage and sharing the powerful story of those who refused to let their voices be silenced.”
“The quote from Maya Angelou (renowned civil rights activist and poet) resonates beautifully with this show. “Nothing can dim the light which shines within.” This quote speaks not only to the Radium Girls themselves but also to the young artists in this production. Their hard work, commitment, and creativity remind us that light—whether in the form of truth, justice, or art–is an unstoppable force.”
“Thank you for joining us tonight as we honor the legacy of the Radium Girls and the light they left behind.”
One person who joined the audience was the great-granddaughter of Kathryn Schaub, one of the Radium Girls. She attended the play on Saturday, December 7, and shared stories and photos of Ms. Schaub.
Matt McCarthy, the school district’s Supervisor for Arts Education, was among the crowd who enjoyed a superb performance by the entire group.
“The cast and crew of Radium Girls delivered a powerful and moving performance. The cast, crew, and student set dressers did a fantastic job. I’m excited to see where Ms. Diaforli-Day’s leadership will take this program next,” Mr. McCarthy said.
Ms. Diaforli-Day concluded:
“I am so very proud of the entire cast and crew of Radium Girls. Our hope is that we made a lasting impression on our audiences so that the lives of the radium girls will not be forgotten.
The next showing by the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Theatre Arts will be the Spring Musical, Footloose, on April 3-5.
Here are short video clips of portions of Radium Girls.