When Henrietta Leavitt (played by Avery Barnwell) begins work at the Harvard Observatory at the turn of the 20^th Century, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express and original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for the women’s probing theories. Based on the true story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, Silent Sky explores a woman’s place in a society during a time of immense scientific discoveries. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications. Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication would change the way we understand the heavens and Earth. Verification of attendance available.

Only the March 31 performance at 2 p.m. is FREE for WSU students; all other performances require purchase of $8 student tickets. For more information on this WSU production directed by Mary Trotter, see  https://performingarts.wsu.edu/performances/2018spring/silent-sky.html