Walters State Presents "Radium Girls" as Fall Production

From left, Liberty Richards, Grace Neary and Kaitlyn Clark are cast as factory workers paining watch dials with radium in Walters State's production of "Radium Girls."

See "Radium Girls" Oct. 23-26 

The Walters State Department of Music and Theatre spotlights a little-known group of women who had a lasting impact on society and the workplace, presenting D.J. Gregory’s “Radium Girls” as the fall production.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Oct. 23, 24 and 25, with a 2:30 p.m. performance on Sunday, Oct. 26. 

This fast-paced show tells the story of a group of young ladies working in a watch factory, painting watch dials with radium. The radium makes the watches glow in the dark. Within a year, the radium makes those painters very ill. Almost all will die, many within two years.

The play’s spotlight is on Grace Fryer, who fights to hold someone accountable for her illness. Grace is passionately brought to life by Liberty Richards, a veteran of the Walters State stage. Other starring radium girls are Kathryn, played by Kaitlyn Cook, and Irene, played by Grace Neary. By demanding her day in court, Fryer introduces the concept of occupational safety and sets the precedent for future occupational hazards, including the coal miners’ fight for benefits following the onset of Black Lung. 

Walters State began the fall semester without a theatre instructor. A fall production wasn’t guaranteed. Luckily, a talented volunteer was found in the college’s leadership. Dr. Brock Fisher, vice president for academic affairs, has a doctorate in theatre and has been part of over 60 productions. 

While his days are busy with scholarly activity, guiding academic success for students, and working with deans and faculty members, his evenings have been spent in the theatre of the Judge William H. Inman.

“I wanted to make sure we had a play and theatre classes for our students,” said Fisher.     

Fisher chose “Radium Girls” for its story and the opportunities it presented to students.

“This play calls for a group of young people in its cast, so we can see many students involved,” Fisher said. “I also like the role women have in this production. The early 20th century was a time of rising women’s rights and labor rights. “Radium Girls” is at this intersection. Women are presented as advocates and agents of change.

The play features 22 actors from both the college community and the outside theatre community. Wes Downing serves as assistant director and technical director.

Reservations can be made by calling Gayle Nelsen at 423-585-6922. The box office will open one hour before showtime. Tickets are $10.