March 21 and 22 at Somerville High School 

The Highlander Theatre Company, the resident theatre company of Somerville High School will present Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson on Thursday, March 21 and Friday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Centennial Auditorium at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave.

Silent Sky tells the true story of the pioneering astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. At Harvard Observatory at the turn of the 20th century, Henrietta joins a group of women tasked with charting the heavens, but she is not allowed to touch a telescope. Despite restrictions placed on her and the other women, she devotes her life to the study of celestial bodies just out of reach while breaking barriers and forever changing the way we measure the heavens.

“It is an amazing story of perseverance, ambition, and brilliance that is as relevant today as it was then,” says Charles Jabour, HTC’s faculty advisor and the director of Silent Sky. “In an era where pay-gaps and glass ceilings remain prevalent, Henrietta’s story mirrors the challenges still faced by women today. I hope this play will provide an opportunity for dialogue around ways to make progress as we celebrate the legacy of Henrietta and the broader struggle for equal rights.”

Both performances of Silent Sky will feature post-show discussions with the creative team and special guests around topics relevant to the play. HTC is offering all-access passes to anyone who wishes to see both performances and post-show dialogues. Visit www.highlandertheatre.org for more info.

Silent Sky is presented in collaboration with the SHS Orchestra, who provided original music for the production. The production is co-presented with the SHS Science Department and Somerville STEAM Social, with support from the SHS Astronomy Club and Somerville Arts for Youth.

All performances will take place at the Centennial Auditorium at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave. Visit www.highlandertheatre.org for ticket information, including all-access passes.

The Highlander Theatre Company offers many ways to support theatre education at Somerville High School. For a complete list of sponsorship opportunities, season supporter levels, and other ways to be involved, visitwww.highlandertheatre.org/support.