“These Shining Lives,” written by Melanie Marnich, is a historical drama based on the true story of four women from Ottawa, Illinois. These women worked in a watch factory in the 1920’s and became ill with radiation poisoning due to the radium they worked with. “These Shining Lives” follows these four women through the ensuing legal battle, as well as the close bond they developed through standing up for all women in the workforce.
“I was introduced to it last summer,” said Allison Hearn, senior theatre major and actress in the play. “I just fell in love with it. Not a lot of plays are written for a smaller theatre like ours and I thought it would be a great fit for our space.”
“It’s a good balance of a touching story and a meaningful story and that’s something that Union does a good job of doing.”
For director John Klonowski, assistant professor of theatre, the decision to perform this play was all about the story.
“They brought it to my attention and I read through it,” said Klonowski. “I thought it was a powerful piece and has a lot of good themes. Even though it’s not a Christian play, there are themes that we can take. Too many Christians are not shining, they’re complacent and this play is about perseverance and making a difference.”
“These Shining Lives” opens Thursday, Nov. 13 in the W.D. Powell Theatre. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. The Sunday matinee is at 2:30 p.m. Faculty, staff and student tickets are $3.
