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‘Silent Sky’ tells a stellar story of love, discovery, and equality
The history of science is rife with brilliant women who should have gotten more attention and recognition than they ever did in their lifetimes.
Two-time Nobel laureate Marie Curie—the first person to earn that distinction, and the only woman thus far—was denied membership to the French Academy of Sciences.
Paleontologist Mary Anning, whose pioneering findings and insights helped propel the careers of countless others in the field, was belittled by the scientific community and practically never credited for her work. The life of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt followed a similar trajectory.
During her time at the Harvard College Observatory as a “computer”—a job that offered little pay, recognition at the barest minimum, and no access to telescopes because only men were allowed to use them, Leavitt noticed a pattern in the luminosity of the Cepheid stars within the Small Magellanic Cloud.
Her discovery and subsequent analysis challenged the prevailing idea at the time: that the Milky Way galaxy’s entirety was the beginning and end of the universe.
At a time when astronomy’s leading minds couldn’t even grasp the full scale of the cosmos, Leavitt’s ideas were out of this world, literally and otherwise. Welcome to "Silent Sky."
Written by award-winning playwright Lauren Gunderson, “Silent Sky” takes us to the very beginning of Leavitt’s stellar journey, approaching its science-inspired theme in an accessible manner and simplifying the main ideas enough for the general audience to appreciate.
A rudimentary understanding of astronomy is all you'll need to grasp "Silent Sky" and the significance of Leavitt’s work.
Threads of romance, family, and gender equality are also carefully intertwined with the narrative, painting a clearer picture of Leavitt’s struggles and an accurate depiction of the systemic imbalance prevalent in the male-dominated field of astronomy during her time.
“Silent Sky” can be likened to a star, its science-driven core shaped by a photosphere of powerful acting. Under the masterful direction of Phylita Joy Gamboa-Virata, the five-person cast shines brightest when trading perfectly timed lines with one another, their interactions pulsating with brilliance much like the Cepheid stars themselves.
Cathy Azanza-Dy and Caisa Borromeo convincingly portray the lovingly supportive relationship of Henrietta and her sister Margaret, made profoundly interesting by their disparate interests and clashing priorities.
Topper Fabregas plays Peter Shaw with awkward yet dignified charm, an endearing foil who is hardly as brilliant as he perceives himself to be.
Veteran thespian Bibeth Orteza brings unmistakable gravitas and undeniable depth as Leavitt’s fellow astronomer and computer, Annie Jump Cannon.
One can argue, though, that the unsung heroine of “Silent Sky” is Naths Everett’s show-stealing Williamina Fleming, throwing savage and sarcastic quips accentuated by her impeccable accent and delivery.
This shining star of a production is further enhanced by a corona of eye-popping set design. The meticulously crafted backdrops sparkle like starfields, and its creative use of set pieces (especially during sequences in which Leavitt is exchanging letters with other characters) opens up avenues for innovative, emotion-filled storytelling.
Leavitt’s story is one of triumph and tragedy; of strength, sexism, and sacrifice; of discoveries that would forever change the way we understand stars, galaxies, and the universe itself.
It is a story that “Silent Sky” tells with masterful acting, stunning visuals, and the right balance of seriousness and levity. The effort that went into this endeavor truly sparkles. This play will surely leave you starry-eyed. — LA, GMA News
February 1-3 and 8-10. Fridays, 8pm. Saturdays & Sundays, 3pm & 8pm. Carlos P. Romulo Theatre, RCBC Building, Makati. Starts P1000. Instagram. Ticketworld
