Dear Editor:
I’ve been reading letters in response to the Radium Girls play that was shown at Fergus Grand Theatre in February. As part of the production crew, I am humbled that our show ignited conversation within our community.
These signs of support are motivational, and show what an exceptional town we have created together. From reading a Letter to the Editor, to hearing someone yell “great job with the play” out their window as I walk my dog, I feel so rejuvenated and excited to be a part of this community.
It is truly a collaborative effort, and I wanted to share with everyone some quick stats that demonstrate the creativity, support, excitement, and courage in making this play:
– over 50 volunteers brought this show to life;
– six graduates from the Fergus Grand Theatre Stage Technician Apprentice Program were in the cast and crew, three women ran lighting, sound, and projections who had never worked in the booth before;
– 14 dancers took the stage and 1,468 tickets were sold over two weekends;
– nine local businesses participated in promoting Radium Girls through window displays, giveaways, and interviews. Many others put up posters in their storefront windows;
– six professionals donated their time to give guidance during our tech week;
– three Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce Award nominations; and
– one adjudication by the Western Ontario Drama League.
The Radium Girls story is dark and gruesome, but nuanced and loving. It is a risk to share in the discomfort of a story so intimate and so hard to accept. It is one thing when we all come together for the “warm and fuzzy” times (celebrations, festivals, etc., which are great), but it feels so good that we can also connect around issues with more complexity and sadness.
In the making of Radium Girls, I can trust that there will be more creative risks taken around me. There is nowhere I would rather be, than amongst the people that I can safely do that with. Thank you to all the cast, crew, production team, Elora Community Theatre, Elora Dance and Heart, Fergus Grand Theatre, patrons, supporters, and promoters. You are amazing!
Norah Wardekk,
Elora