RADIUM GIRLS
SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2024 | 2 & 7.30pm | PLC drama studi0
An Amateur Production By Arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical, on behalf of Presbyterian Ladies’ College plc productions presents
No food or drink is to be consumed in the Drama studio.
Filming, recording or photography is not permitted during the performances. Please turn off all electronic devices before the performance begins.
Thank you for your cooperation.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Radium Girls is an empowering piece, one that promotes truth, justice and the wellbeing of others over monetary gain. The strength these women found within themselves and together as a united front serves to remind us of the power of determination, friendship and love for one another.
The story follows the fight of young women, who believe they have been injured as a result of their work painting the luminescent dials on watches and clocks. Trusting their employer, the girls frequently ingested elements of toxic paint, as they studiously painted. Once the girls started becoming ill, multiple investigators, reporters and experts came forward, documenting the campaign of these women who were seeking monetary compensation at the negligent hands of their former employer. Their quest however was hindered by conflicting evidence, corporate cover ups, and the sad reality of their declining health.
Radium Girls offers the audience to experience and witness the concept of ‘hindsight’. Throughout the piece characters are presented with choices. For an audience familiar with the story, they are aware of the ramifications of such decisions. For the characters however, these revelations come far too late.
Importantly knowing how events play out, allow us to view the actions of individuals as “good” or “bad”. Yet it’s essential to consider their circumstances at the time. Regrettably some chose the more deviant and exploitative path. But most truly thought that they were doing good. They relied on whom they thought were voices of authority and placed their trust in them.
Hence it is through Grace’s challenge of authority that the concept of questioning right from wrong, emerges. Her unwillingness to take monetary compensation in lieu of the company taking ownership of their negligence is immensely brave. Due to the campaign and persistence of the real life Radium Girls, namely, Grace Fryer, Katherine Schaub, Quinta Maggia McDonald, Albina Maggia Larice and Edna Hussman, preliminary legislation saw changes in some areas of workers conditions. The precedent set in this case however, would inspire later campaigns against major industries, specifically the Tobacco Industry.
the cast
Eva Allen
Evie Bernardi
Holly Dawson
Tehmina Dubash
Arthur Roeder
Tom
Kathryn Wiley
Daniel Lehman / Sob sister
Robyn Dunn
Washma Hayat
Evelina He
Claire Keys
Alexandra Kuan
Christine Lee
Raymond Berry
The Court / Customer
Dr Flinn / Male Shopper
Charlie Lee / Dr Von Sochocky
Mrs Diane Roeder
Edward Markley
Yehansa Malagala
Jessie McLennan
Tess Phillips-Williams
Shenny Thalagala
Anushka Valecha
Grace Wang
Olivia Wang
Sayu Weerasinghe
Amy Yin
Lily Zong
Dr Martland / Mrs Macniel
Harriet Roeder
Kathryn Schaub
Grace Fryer
Mrs Fryer / Dr Knef
Irene / Photographer Reporter / Venicine Salesman
Clerk / Store Owner
Lovesick Cowboy / Shopgirl Widow
Student crew
Erin Chan
Alissa Mark
Vicky Xiao
Cleopatra Vann
Kelly Yu
Evelina He
Washma Hayat
Tess Phillips-Williams
Shenny Thalagala
Costume Creation - Ms Katherine Wiley
Stage Manager
Stage Manager/ Set Painter
Sound and Lighting
Sound and Lighting
Hair and Makeup
Hair and Makeup
Hair and Makeup
Hair and Makeup and Poster and Program Artwork
Our many thanks go to our student crew who have assisted us greatly.
creatives and staff crew
Producer
Director
Costume Design
Set Design
Lighting Design
Sound Design
THANK YOU & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to all the supportive staff and students who have assisted with all areas of this production.
Many thanks to Cath Garrett for her ongoing support, and whose diligent and enthusiastic approach to the process was always welcomed and appreciated. Her guidance and expertise across all areas of Theatre and PLC have continued to provide students with the opportunity to participate in the Dramatic Arts. I’m beyond privileged that she has entrusted this show to me.
To Ben Daly, who’s expert technical knowledge of lighting and sound design have helped realise and support the
fluctuating narrative of the piece. Always eager to take on a creative challenge, his extensive passion for theatrical design has further inspired our student technical crew. These students have volunteered to be a part of our multiple crews, assisting with the technical aspects, makeup and also costume creation, and their efforts are greatly appreciated.
Our thanks is extended to the PLC Maintenance staff who have worked hard at transporting and arranging set pieces. Finally to the cast of Radium Girls, thank you for your eagerness to tell the stories of others and for the endless care, compassion and respect you’ve shown throughout the process.
Cath Garrett Emily Bowman Cath Garrett Emily Bowman Ben Daly Emily Bowman