PLC Radium Girls 2024

plc productions presents

RADIUM GIRLS SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2024 | 2 & 7.30pm | PLC drama studio studi0 An Amateur Production By Arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical, on behalf of Presbyterian Ladies’ College

No food or drink is to be consumed in the Drama studio.

Filming, recording or photography is not permitted during the performances. Please turn off all electronic devices before the performance begins.

Thank you for your cooperation.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE Radium Girls is an empowering piece, one that promotes truth, justice and the wellbeing of others over monetary gain. The strength these women found within themselves and together as a united front serves to remind us of the power of determination, friendship and love for one another.

The story follows the fight of young women, who believe they have been injured as a result of their work painting the luminescent dials on watches and clocks. Trusting their employer, the girls frequently ingested elements of toxic paint, as they studiously painted. Once the girls started becoming ill, multiple investigators, reporters and experts came forward, documenting the campaign of these women who were seeking monetary compensation at the negligent hands of their former employer. Their quest however was hindered by conflicting evidence, corporate cover ups, and the sad reality of their declining health.

Radium Girls offers the audience to experience and witness the concept of ‘hindsight’. Throughout the piece characters are presented with choices.

For an audience familiar with the story, they are aware of the ramifications of such decisions.

For the characters however, these revelations come far too late.

Importantly knowing how events play out, allow us to view the actions of individuals as “good” or “bad”. Yet it’s essential to consider their circumstances at the time. Regrettably some chose the more deviant and exploitative path.

But most truly thought that they were doing good.

They relied on whom they thought were voices of authority and placed their trust in them.

Hence it is through Grace’s challenge of authority that the concept of questioning right from wrong, emerges. Her unwillingness to take monetary compensation in lieu of the company taking ownership of their negligence is immensely brave.

Due to the campaign and persistence of the real life Radium Girls, namely, Grace Fryer, Katherine Schaub, Quinta Maggia McDonald, Albina Maggia Larice and Edna Hussman, preliminary legislation saw changes in some areas of workers conditions. The precedent set in this case however, would inspire later campaigns against major industries, specifically the Tobacco Industry.

the cast

Eva Allen

Arthur Roeder

Evie Bernardi

Tom

Holly Dawson

Kathryn Wiley

Tehmina Dubash Robyn Dunn Washma Hayat

Daniel Lehman / Sob sister Raymond Berry The Court / Customer

Evelina He

Dr Flinn / Male Shopper

Claire Keys

Charlie Lee / Dr Von Sochocky

Alexandra Kuan

Mrs Diane Roeder

Christine Lee

Edward Markley

Yehansa Malagala

Dr Martland / Mrs Macniel

Jessie McLennan

Harriet Roeder

Tess Phillips-Williams

Kathryn Schaub

Shenny Thalagala

Grace Fryer

Anushka Valecha

Mrs Fryer / Dr Knef

Grace Wang

Irene / Photographer

Olivia Wang

Reporter / Venicine Salesman

Sayu Weerasinghe

Clerk / Store Owner

Amy Yin

Lovesick Cowboy / Shopgirl

Lily Zong

Widow

Student crew Erin Chan

Costume Creation - Ms Katherine Wiley

Alissa Mark

Stage Manager

Vicky Xiao

Stage Manager/ Set Painter

Cleopatra Vann

Sound and Lighting

Kelly Yu

Sound and Lighting

Evelina He

Hair and Makeup

Washma Hayat

Hair and Makeup

Tess Phillips-Williams

Hair and Makeup

Shenny Thalagala

Hair and Makeup and Poster and Program Artwork

Our many thanks go to our student crew who have assisted us greatly.

creatives and staff crew Producer

Cath Garrett

Director

Emily Bowman

Costume Design Set Design

Cath Garrett Emily Bowman

Lighting Design

Ben Daly

Sound Design

Emily Bowman

THANK YOU & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thank you to all the supportive staff and students who have assisted with all areas of this production.

Many thanks to Cath Garrett for her ongoing support, and whose diligent and enthusiastic approach to the process was always welcomed and appreciated. Her guidance and expertise across all areas of Theatre and PLC have continued to provide students with the opportunity to participate in the Dramatic Arts. I’m beyond privileged that she has entrusted this show to me.

To Ben Daly, who’s expert technical knowledge of lighting and sound design have helped realise and support the

fluctuating narrative of the piece. Always eager to take on a creative challenge, his extensive passion for theatrical design has further inspired our student technical crew. These students have volunteered to be a part of our multiple crews, assisting with the technical aspects, makeup and also costume creation, and their efforts are greatly appreciated.

Our thanks is extended to the PLC Maintenance staff who have worked hard at transporting and arranging set pieces. Finally to the cast of Radium Girls, thank you for your eagerness to tell the stories of others and for the endless care, compassion and respect you’ve shown throughout the process.