March is Women’s History Month, and the Kent State University at Stark Theatre Department’s production of Silent Sky sets the stage for the campus’ monthlong observance.
Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson is the fourth consecutive theatre production written by a woman, and very much about women’s voices and struggles, according to Brian Newberg, associate professor of theatre and theatre director at Kent State Stark. The play will be performed on Feb. 24-25 and March 3-4 at 7:30 p.m.; and Feb. 26 and March 5 at 2 p.m. in the Kent State Stark Theatre, 6000 Frank Ave., NW, in Jackson Township. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided for the March 5 performance at 2 p.m.
Based on the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, take a journey in Leavitt’s shoes as a female astronomer at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s – a time when the ideas of women did not come to fruition until men accredited the theories for their own gain. Leavitt must learn to accommodate her love of science with her family responsibilities and her place as a woman. She transcended her post as a Harvard “computer” (data entry clerk) to make significant observations on the universe and influence the work of Edwin Hubble, among others.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $7 for non-Kent State students and senior citizens. All Kent State students are admitted free of charge with current student ID. Tickets are on sale now. Reserve tickets online at www.kent.edu/stark/silent-sky or call the Kent State Stark Theatre Box Office at 330-244-3348. The Box Office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Newberg is director of Silent Sky. Louis Williams is the scenic and lighting designer, Stephen Ostertag is costume designer and Ron Jarvis is the sound designer.