The Bridgewater-Raritan High School Theatre Arts program’s production of Radium Girls from December 5 to 7 brought history to life with a performance that was as haunting as it was inspiring.
The play tells the story of a group of young women who worked in dial-painting factories in the 1920s in Essex County, New Jersey, where luminous radium paint was used to make watches glow. Encouraged to lick their brushes for precision, these girls ingested the toxic radium in the paint, leading to severe health issues and even early deaths.
As the girls begin to realize the cause of their deteriorating health, the play shifts focus to their collective struggle for justice. At the heart of this struggle is young dial painter Grace Fryer, who fights to bring justice to the U.S. Radium Corporation, the company that exposed her to the deadly substance.
The play explores themes of corporate responsibility, worker exploitation and the fight for justice, highlighting the strength and determination of these women who risked everything to hold the powerful accountable.
Lead actor and senior May Niles, who portrayed Grace Fryer, spoke about her thoughts on the story and the fact that the story holds some history in New Jersey.
“The show portrays a really important part of our history, and especially not only our country’s history or our world’s history, but even our state’s history,” she said.
Senior Tia Sharma, the student director of the show, further remarked on the production as a whole.
“I’m really excited for everyone to see the show, because everyone’s been working really hard and it’s been a really long, but really rewarding rehearsal process,” she said.
The opening night of Radium Girls was a memorable success, with powerful performances and seamless cooperation between cast, crew and staff showcasing the collective effort behind months of hard work and dedication. By blending artistry and historical storytelling, the performance became a powerful tribute to the courage of the young women who fought for justice.
