Oakwood students take on gripping historical drama ‘Radium Girls’

This play tells the story of young women exposed to radium while painting watches for the military

Kiera Gallagher

Oakwood High School’s theater department is excited to present its highly anticipated fall production of Radium Girls, with 7 p.m. performances Nov. 8, 9, and 15.

This gripping historical drama tells the story of young women in the 1920s who suffered devastating consequences after being exposed to radium while painting luminous watch dials used in World War II. Though the subject matter is challenging, Oakwood students are eager to take on this powerful testimony, bringing their passion and talent to a show of such significance.

Set in 1926, Radium Girls follows the journey of Grace Fryer, a dial painter who, like many of her colleagues, unknowingly ingests radium while painting watch dials to make them glow. Believing the paint to be harmless, the women use their lips to point the paintbrushes, ultimately ingesting the radioactive substance. As their health begins to deteriorate, they face a mysterious illness that doctors struggle to diagnose.

The play captures the struggles of those workers who dared to seek justice, standing up against powerful companies that refused to take responsibility for the dangers of radium exposure.

The cast and crew have put in months of hard work to ensure that this performance is both historically accurate and emotionally gripping. Senior Makena Willis takes on the leading role of Grace Fryer, highlighting her character’s determination and inner struggle as she fights for justice in the courtroom.

Roman Marquez, another senior, plays Arthur Roeder, the conflicted factory manager caught between his conscience and his business interests.

The story extends beyond the stage, as Radium Girls is a true ensemble effort, with every aspect of the production shaped by Oakwood’s students.

Director Calla Cavanagh, a sophomore, has embraced the challenge of guiding her peers through a play that requires deep emotional nuance and attention to detail.

Her commitment ensures that each scene feels authentic to the 1920s setting, making the performances stand out.

Kelly Kobata, also in the 10th grade, has taken charge of makeup, using her artistic talents to create realistic portrayals of radium poisoning effects. Her work helps audiences see firsthand the physical toll the radium took on these women, adding a striking visual element to the performance.

The preparation for Radium Girls began last year in Oakwood’s theater class, where students researched the historical context and each aspect of the staging, from costumes and sets to lighting and rehearsal schedules. Their findings were compiled into a binder that has served as a guide throughout the process, ensuring that each student’s vision and creativity are represented.

This collective effort means that everyone, from the actors to the tech crew, has had a hand in shaping the complex play.

Oakwood’s production of Radium Girls promises to be a night of captivating storytelling, where history comes alive through the hard work and passion of the school’s students.

It’s a show that will make audiences think, feel, and appreciate the dedication of these young performers. Morgan Hill residents won’t want to miss this chance to see local talent shine in a story that resonates across generations.

Tickets are available at purchased at https://www.oakwoodway.org/arts/box-office.

Kiera Gallagher is a senior at Oakwood School. She wrote this for Morgan Hill Life.