This winter, Radium Girls, a powerful story by D.W. Gregory, told of young women in the 1920s who stood up for justice after discovering that their factory jobs, once a source of pride and opportunity, had left them dangerously poisoned. It served as a testament to bravery, loyalty, and resilience, and as a reminder of how their fight continued to resonate today.
The story is based on real events and highlights not only the personal struggles of the women but also the broader social and legal battles they faced in an era when workers’ rights were often ignored.
The winter play was performed in the auditorium on January 29-31. The production featured elaborate period costumes and set designs that recreated the factory environment and brought the historical context to life. Audience members responded with praise for the cast’s dedication to portraying the story authentically.
The cast of Radium Girls included: Sophie Mishler, Bradley Hooper, Ewan Russell, Jimmy Zhang, Maya Gonzalez, Alessia Ruggieri, Lyla Park, Fiona McJannett, Shayaan Qadri, Dylan Edeus, Maiya Shimosako, Gianni Davis, Olivia Concialdi, Erica Bayanmunkh, Lily Pelanek, and Zach Roberts.
“Radium Girls has been such an incredible opportunity for me to grow as a dramatic actor. This experience has taught me the importance of reliance, positivity, and community when learning,” said Sophia Mishler, a senior.
“One message I hope people can take away from this show would be that standing up for the truth, even when you’re ignored, dismissed, or intimidated, can lead to real change,” said Alessia Ruggieri, a junior.
“I usually act in comedic roles and this show really showed me the dramatic side of acting. It was such an honor to be a part of this production, to share the story of these girls, and do them the justice they deserved,” added Bradley Hooper, a senior.
“I researched several of the cases handled by Edward Markley and found that a central theme in his arguments was an attempt to shift responsibility onto the victims as a strategic defense tactic, deflecting attention from the misconduct occurring at the United States Radium Corporation. I gained a lot of experience in the flexibility of working in theatre. While there were plenty of ups and downs, the cast was always able to persevere and continue growing into their roles by the time of the performance,” said Ewan Russel, a senior.
The production also included collaborative efforts behind the scenes, from lighting and sound design to stage management, which ensured each performance ran smoothly. Together, the cast and crew created an immersive experience that honored the legacy of the women who fought for justice.