The Radiant, by Shirley Lauro. Directed by Kaitlin Taylor. A bio-drama of Marie Sklodowska Curie. Chicago Premiere Thursday, May 18, 7:30 pm. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
Set one hundred years ago in Paris, The Radiant centers on the true, tempestuous, and love-torn life of Madame Marie Sklodowska Curie. Widowed at thirty-nine, with two young children to raise and support, she becomes involved in a scandalous affair with her young married assistant, an affair which rocks Paris and nearly costs her her career – and her life. But, she survives this and the great bias against women scientists throughout Europe then and goes on to discover and isolate radium, earn two Nobel Prizes, and revolutionize the world of science forever, ushering in “The Atomic Age” and the first cure for cancer.
Shirley Lauro’s The Radiant enjoyed its World Premiere in March, 2011 at New Theatre, Miami, starring Angelica Torn as Marie Curie. The play was commissioned by The Sloan Science Foundation, receiving their “Production Enhancement Grant,” in addition to grants from The Dramatists Guild and TCG’s Edgerton Foundation (honored as one of 40 World Premieres by American Playwrights). It opened in New York City in February, 2013.
The Radiant will be directed by Kaitlin Taylor. Taylor’s cast will include Debbie Ruzicka (Marie), Chloe Dzielak (Katarina), James McGuire (Paul), and Michael Lomenick (Paymaster/Lord Kelvin/Professor Willis). Design team will be Harrison Ornelas (Set and Props Design), Eric Vigo (Lighting Design), Shawn Quinlan (Costume Design), JJ Porterfield (Sound Design). Shellie DiSalvo is Stage Manager). Graham Emmons is Graphic Designer and Mark Jeffries will be House Manager.