Oakland Tech’s most recent play, Radium Girls, is a witty buzz, a timely commentary, and a poignant woe. It is masterfully crafted to portray the seriousness of its warnings and the vibrancy of its cast.
The stars of the show are the so-called “radium girls,” who are employed by big businessman Arthur Roeder. They slowly succumb to the secret poison of the Radium they work so closely with. As one girl falls ill after another, Roeder is forced to come to terms with the responsibility he bears. Grace, a radium girl who “looks like death,” remains the final defiant wrench in Roeders’ plan of silence.
Hunted by a ravenous band of reporters and Grace’s undying thirst for justice, Roeder retreats deeper and deeper into his own conscience. “A guilty man. Has a tremendous need to unburden himself,” he explains. The vice president of Radium Corp, Lee, pushes him to fight and avoid accountability. Markley, the head lawyer, furthers the play’s critique of corporate abuse through bribes and constant deflection.
Corporate corruption is on full display. Aside from Roeder, almost all the stockholders show no remorse; instead, they seek to mitigate damages and return to business as usual. The play also acts as an emotional reminder that systematic misogyny and sexism often reduce blatant injustice to routine court cases. If not for Grace’s stubbornness, the entire scandal may have been swept under the rug.
Oakland Tech drama often leans towards comedy, but the actors and actresses shine in the serious tone of Radium Girls. Although both casts are amazing, Griffin Bierner as Roeder and Sophie Perry as Grace stand out in particular. The two stars exemplify the best of Tech’s drama program. Griffin also starred in Tech’s other play this same year, “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
Both plays were shown in the spring, differing from the norm of one production per semester. However, the Oakland Tech auditorium was being renovated in the fall with new seats generously funded by the community and OUSD. “The hardest part was rushing to get it ready.” Stage Manager and Assistant Director Lucy Don explained. Nevertheless, neither play suffers a drop in quality. Radium Girls has some of the best lighting Oakland Tech’s stage has seen.
The dynamic, moody lighting reinforces the play’s seriousness while drawing the audience’s attention. Specifically, the neon-green-lit factory clock stands out, serving as the backdrop for the entire play. Though flat and square, the factory backdrop’s apparent plainness conveys how humanity has been replaced with corporate uniformity.
The costumes, as usual, are top-notch, and the dramatic sound effects are tempered with old-timey music that perfectly matches the roaring 20’s. Even though Radium Girls takes place over a century ago, the story is very reminiscent of problems today, with corporations taking advantage of workers and expertly dodging accountability. The show’s closing night coincided with Mayday, the international day of workers on May 1st.
Closing night was also Senior Night for all of those graduating, including Sophie Perry, Griffin Bierner, and Lucy Don. It was a touching appreciation and spotlight on every senior who has contributed so much to Tech’s performances. “Having a bunch of people who are just so supportive of everything you do and also so interesting and cool themselves, that’s just awesome.” Lucy Don remarked about the community.
Many tears were shed during the goodbyes. With such incredible talent leaving Oakland Tech and heading off into the world, the question remains: Who will fill their shoes?