Greater Latrobe drama club preps for in-person performances of 'Radium Girls'

Student thespians at Greater Latrobe Senior High will take audiences back a century to explore a historic struggle over workplace safety that grabbed headlines in its time but is less well-known today.

After last fall’s pandemic-triggered virtual play presentation, the school’s Drama Club is back with an in-person production of “Radium Girls,” set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the auditorium.

The 2000 play by D.W. Gregory is set in 1917-1928, when companies were exploiting commercial applications of radium, a radioactive element that was discovered two decades earlier by Marie and Pierre Curie and was being used to treat cancer.

The drama focuses on the titular workers, who become ill from radium poisoning while using the material to paint luminous watch dials. One of the laborers, Grace Fryer (portrayed by Neehla Pal), battles for justice with her former boss, Arthur Roeder (Ben Federico), while facing doubt from family and friends who worry her efforts will backfire.

Although the play is based in the past, director Allison Duda said it is “relevant for today. It deals with science, big corporations and the media.

“It’s history coming to life on the stage. These girls were fighting for some compensation and for the knowledge about this radium to get to the public. The company didn’t want to believe the radium was the cause of their problems.”

Greater Latrobe is joining a growing number of schools that have mounted a production of “Radium Girls” since a film version was released last year.

The cast of about 20 has held regular rehearsals since the beginning of September.

“There’s a lot of dialogue, and it’s a hefty subject matter that’s pretty dramatic,” Duda said.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and will be on sale at the door. In accordance with a state mandate, audience members will be required to wear masks.

Visit latrobedramaclub.com for more information.