by Allison Craft, Student Public Relations Writer
Cedarville University’s theatre department will bring “Radium Girls,” a powerful historical drama written by D.W. Gregory, to the stage February 13-23. The production explores the events of 1926, when young women working in a watch factory used radium-based paint to create a luminous glow — only to later face devastating health consequences.
For tickets and show times, visit Purple Pass or the theatre page at cedarville.edu.
As science rapidly advanced, mistakes were often made when innovations were introduced before the dangers were fully understood. Radium-painted watch dials, once considered a cutting-edge convenience, soon became a deadly health crisis for the young women who painted them. What began as a fashionable and practical trend led to severe illnesses, sparking a courtroom battle that ultimately shaped workplace safety laws.
Balancing history and heartbreak, “Radium Girls” provides an immersive theatrical experience with technical complexities unlike any previous Cedarville production. These elements aim to deepen audience engagement and highlight the emotional weight of the story.
“There are mistakes in history, and if we are not aware, we are prone to repeat them,” said Stacey Stratton, assistant professor of theatre. “This show highlights many issues from the past that have the potential to reoccur today.”
With its mix of historical drama and contemporary relevance, “Radium Girls” is a must-see for audiences middle school and up.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.