This month the CHS drama department presented Radium Girls, the true story of a group of young factory workers in 1920s who are poisoned by radium-laced paint while painting dials on clocks.

The heart-wrenching story, written by local playwright D. W. Gregory, spans several decades. It details the tragic illnesses and subsequent efforts of the sick dial painters to obtain compensation for their medical bills and suffering. Their attempt to hold the company, U.S. Radium Corporation, accountable sparks new workman’s compensation laws.

“I was really intrigued by the balanced storytelling- the playwright makes an effort to show that the corporate president is not evil, but makes some decisions with some very dire consequences,” director Jessica Speck said. “Also, I liked the idea of coupling this show with Chicago, another show set in the 1920s that involves a court case and the use of the media that approaches the story quite differently.”

The CHS ensemble cast of 18, comprised mostly of juniors and seniors, expertly portrays close to 40 characters with some cast members responsible for as many as three different roles. The story centers around Grace Fryer (senior Tanaquil Marquez) the lead dial painter who, with great determination, almost single handedly takes on the U.S. Radium Corporation. Arthur Roeder (sophomore Erik Rigaux) is the company president who safeguards his personal success with equal determination and has little regard for those around him.

“At the beginning of the play, [Grace Fryer] is a naive factory girl who always does what she is told,” Marquez said. “Then, when she starts to realize that she is dying, she grows into this bold, strong character.”

Assistant director Steven Rigaux shifted his focus away from acting to help Speck on this production.

“I wanted to try the ropes at directing and see if it seemed like my thing,”  Rigaux said. “I was thrilled to be able to work with [Speck] from a director’s perspective for once because it puts a lot of things into perspective as an actor.”

Also contributing to the production was playwright D. W. Gregory who spoke to the cast and crew during a special assembly.

“Gregory was kind enough to visit for a lunchtime lecture,” Speck said. “She clarified a number of questions and really helped by giving us the context in which she wrote the show.”

While Radium Girls may not seem to be a likely choice for a high school play due to the heartbreaking story line, its ability to provoke and enlighten is undeniable.

“I think this show is a unique opportunity for students to examine the intersection of science, industry and worker’s rights,” Speck said. “Beyond that, it’s really interesting and has great performances.”