Valencia College Theater is set to stage “Radium Girls,” a drama that recounts the true story of women who suffered from radium poisoning while working in factories that produced glow-in-the-dark watches during the 1920s. The production will be held at Valencia College’s Black Box Theater, with performances beginning on February 13 and running for seven shows.
The play, written by D.W. Gregory, centers on Grace Fryer, a dial painter who challenges the U.S. Radium Corporation after discovering the health risks associated with radium-based paint. The narrative is primarily set in New Jersey during the mid-1920s but spans from 1918 through the 1940s. It explores Fryer’s pursuit of justice against her former employer Arthur Roeder and addresses themes such as corporate responsibility and public health.
“Radium Girls” has been described by critics as “powerful” and “engrossing.” The play uses an ensemble cast to depict America’s fascination with science, wealth, and health during that era. According to Valencia College Theater, “Written with both warmth and biting humor, ‘Radium Girls’ is a fast-paced, highly theatrical ensemble piece.”
The production is presented through special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. It was originally produced by Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey and developed with support from the Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science and Technology Project.
The play is recommended for audiences aged 13 and older due to mature themes involving illness, death, and corporate negligence.
Performances are scheduled for February 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on February 15 at 2 p.m., all taking place at Building 3 on Valencia’s East Campus located at 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando.
Tickets are priced at $10 for Valencia students, staff members, military personnel, and senior citizens; general admission tickets cost $15. There is an additional $2 fee per ticket. Tickets can be purchased online via https://ticketpeak.co/valenciacollege/events or by calling the box office at 407-582-2900.
