Presentation focuses on WWI ‘Radium Girls’

SUFFIELD — The. Suffield Players Presents “These Shining Lives” by Melanie Marnich, directed by Lisa Parker, Feb. 9 – 25 at Mapleton Hall 1305 Mapleton Ave.

“These Shining Live’s tells the true story of “Radium Girls” — women eager for financial independence and a chance to help their families following World War I. Glow-in-the-dark instrument panels and clock faces were an advantage during the war, and in the years that followed thousands of women clamored for the job of painting clock and watch faces with radium paint for civilian use, leading to tragic consequences.

“The floating dust from the radium powder covered their hair, clothes, and skin, making them glow in the dark like living apparitions,” said Parker. At the time, radium was a relatively new discovery and not much was known about the effects of long-term exposure.

Parker was eager to state that the play is inspirational rather than depressing. “The real-life radium girls stayed strong because of their friendship, their families, and their faith. Despite all odds, they fought for justice all the way to the Supreme Court. Their battle changed workplace safety laws for everyone.”

The presentation features Renee Bouldin, Steven Close, Paul DiProto, Barbara Gallow, Candy Green, Jim Hyland, Hanna Madler, Kat Marcil, Mark Proulx, Andrew Ross, and Kate Stango. For tickets visit suffieldplayers.org or call 800-289-6148.