ELORA – Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she battles not only the U.S. Radium Corporation but her own family and friends, who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire.
During the First World War, soldiers needed glow-in-the-dark watches. The paint used included a small amount of radium, and hundreds of women were employed in radium dial factories in Newark, New Jersey – and a few years later in Ottawa – to apply the radioactive material.
The women used a technique called lip-pointing, in which they would refine paintbrush tips by swirling them in their mouths. Years later, many of the women began experiencing toothaches, back pains, cancer and sarcoma.
Women in both cities filed lawsuits against the employment companies. The cases were eventually won but not without a battle. This case led to a change in U.S. labor laws and a better scientific understanding of radium.
This Elora Community Theatre production of Radium Girls, directed by Catherine Johnston, features the members of Dance and Heart under the choreography of stage manager Norah Wardell.
It is produced in the docudrama style recently made popular again in shows such as Come From Away. It will be participating in the Western Ontario Drama League’s Theatre Festival. Adjudication for the festival will take place Feb. 16.
Don’t miss this tragic story that is not widely known about women fighting for what is right despite seemingly insurmountable odds. Radium Girls runs at the Fergus Grand Theatre February 9, 10, 11th and February 16, 17, 18th. Evening performances begin at 8pm with additional 2pm matinees on Feb. 11 and 18.
For more information contact Deb Stanson debstanson@gmail.com.
