Theater presents “Silent Sky”

KYLE SCHECK
PHOTOGRAPHER

ADITYA HIREMATH
STAFF WRITER

10/20/2025

Silent Sky tells the story of women whose work and passion changed the course of modern astronomy. The play follows four real-life scientists who dedicated their lives to studying the stars and mapping the universe.  

It explores their perseverance through moments of love, loss, and changes while highlighting how their discoveries helped shape the way we understand space today. 

“Silent Sky is about the difficulties of pursuing one’s passions through change, love, death, and illness. Specifically for the four real-life women Silent Sky’s characters are based on, this play speaks to the incredible persistence and resilience of women across generations in the face of patriarchal, sexist oppression,” said Ruth Losey (’28).  

The production brings to light the resilience of women in science and honors those whose contributions have often been overlooked. 

 “The most challenging part of preparing for this play has been scheduling. We are working with more first-year students than we have in years, so there are all kinds of events to schedule around. Additionally, our faculty members in Heritage are incredibly busy due to faculty cuts and the recent decision to cut the Alma Theater Program,” said Losey.  

Despite these challenges, rehearsals have continued to move forward with dedication and enthusiasm. 

In addition to the performances, the design and technical aspects of the show have brought a unique visual element to the stage.  

“One of my favorite aspects of college theatre is the ability to be experimental and think about new ways to tackle design problems. Most students do not have the experience of seeing a play on Broadway or at a Regional State Theatre. Generally speaking, students don’t have the same concepts of what theatre can be outside of their experiences in a high school auditorium, or community theatres, so they come into these projects expecting very little.  Which means, by virtue of their lowered expectations, I get to hear a lot of positive feedback from the students as they experience those “Aha!” moments at the messy intersection of imagination and realized construction,” said Christian Bowyer, Heritage Center technical director.  

The set design helps transform the stage into the night sky, allowing the audience to experience the wonder of astronomy through the character’s eyes. 

Beyond its design and storytelling, Silent Sky carries an important message.  

“I hope people walk away with a new appreciation for how the world they live in became so complex so quickly. We often forget that many small actions and ideas compound over time to create big changes in how we live our lives. History is never a simple narrative despite how much we yearn for simple answers, it’s always the efforts of many different people tirelessly working on something and coming together to create change and progress and we should not forget that.” said Bowyer.  

The play encourages audiences to reflect on how small discoveries and acts of persistence can lead to major progress over time. 

This production also stands out for its historical focus. It is the first period piece the college has performed in two years and features costumes, props and language specific to its early 20th-century setting.  

Working with time, period details has given the cast and crew an opportunity to explore a different kind of storytelling that combines art, science and history. 

Silent Sky is a story about curiosity, resilience, and the people who dared to look beyond what was known. Through its performances, design, and historical depth, the production celebrates the spirit of discovery and the lasting contributions of women whose work continues to shape the modern world.