Colorado Mountain College logo

Basecamp | Español Request Info Apply Now

Skip Navigation
  • slash-spacer-navABOUT
      • The CMC Life
        • Locations & Campuses
        • Snapshot
        • Videos & Tours
        • Residence Halls
        • Student Life
        • Athletics
        • Sustainable CMC
        • CMC Campus Store
        • CMC News
      • About CMC
        • About Us
        • Accreditation
        • Board of Trustees
        • President’s Office
        • CMC Senior Team
        • Strategic Plan; Vision, Mission, Values & Principles
        • CMC Foundation
        • Safety & Security
        • Work for CMC
    • Close
  • decorative image ACADEMICS
      • Academics
        • Academic Pathways
        • Programs / Degrees
        • Academics at CMC
        • Academic Calendar
        • Academic Catalog
        • Study Abroad
        • Business & Industry
        • College Preparation
      • Classes
        • Classes
        • Non-credit Classes
        • GED
        • ESL
        • High School-Concurrent
        • Registering Information
      • Support
        • Student Services
        • Libraries
        • Career Services
        • Textbooks / Learning Materials Program
        • Registrar’s Office
        • Transcripts
    • Close
  • decorative image ADMISSIONS
      • Admissions
        • Get Started - Admissions
        • Admissions Events
        • Parents & Families
        • Veterans & Military
        • New Student Orientation
        • Transfer to CMC
        • Your Right to Know
      • Cost + Financial Aid
        • Tuition & Costs
        • Special Tuition Rates
        • Net Price Calculator
        • How to Pay for College
        • Financial Aid
        • Scholarships
        • Payment Plan
    • Close
  • decorative image CAMPUSES
      • Residential
        • Leadville
        • Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs
        • Steamboat Springs
      • Commuter
        • Aspen
        • Breckenridge & Dillon
        • Carbondale
        • Glenwood Springs
        • Rifle
        • Salida
        • Vail Valley at Edwards
      • Locations
        • Central Services
        • Morgridge Commons
    • Close
  • decorative image ALUMNI
    • Alumni
    • Close

Home / ‘Silent Sky’: Sopris Theatre Company explores hidden history of women astronomers

Colorado Mountain College logo
Skip Navigation
  • slash-spacer-navABOUT
      • The CMC Life
        • Locations & Campuses
        • Snapshot
        • Videos & Tours
        • Residence Halls
        • Student Life
        • Athletics
        • Sustainable CMC
        • CMC Campus Store
        • CMC News
      • About CMC
        • About Us
        • Accreditation
        • Board of Trustees
        • President’s Office
        • CMC Senior Team
        • Strategic Plan; Vision, Mission, Values & Principles
        • CMC Foundation
        • Safety & Security
        • Work for CMC
    • Close
  • decorative image ACADEMICS
      • Academics
        • Academic Pathways
        • Programs / Degrees
        • Academics at CMC
        • Academic Calendar
        • Academic Catalog
        • Study Abroad
        • Business & Industry
        • College Preparation
      • Classes
        • Classes
        • Non-credit Classes
        • GED
        • ESL
        • High School-Concurrent
        • Registering Information
      • Support
        • Student Services
        • Libraries
        • Career Services
        • Textbooks / Learning Materials Program
        • Registrar’s Office
        • Transcripts
    • Close
  • decorative image ADMISSIONS
      • Admissions
        • Get Started - Admissions
        • Admissions Events
        • Parents & Families
        • Veterans & Military
        • New Student Orientation
        • Transfer to CMC
        • Your Right to Know
      • Cost + Financial Aid
        • Tuition & Costs
        • Special Tuition Rates
        • Net Price Calculator
        • How to Pay for College
        • Financial Aid
        • Scholarships
        • Payment Plan
    • Close
  • decorative image CAMPUSES
      • Residential
        • Leadville
        • Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs
        • Steamboat Springs
      • Commuter
        • Aspen
        • Breckenridge & Dillon
        • Carbondale
        • Glenwood Springs
        • Rifle
        • Salida
        • Vail Valley at Edwards
      • Locations
        • Central Services
        • Morgridge Commons
    • Close
  • decorative image ALUMNI
    • Alumni
    • Close
Request Info | Apply | Basecamp | Español

Home / ‘Silent Sky’: Sopris Theatre Company explores hidden history of women astronomers

 

Two actors on stage in "Silent Sky"

From left, Bostyn Elswick plays the real-life role of Henrietta Leavitt, who made significant astronomical discoveries in the early 1900s and Hattie Rensberry who plays Leavitt’s sister Margaret in “Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson. Photo by Scot Gerdes

‘Silent Sky’: Sopris Theatre Company explores hidden history of women astronomers

Performances offered live at CMC Spring Valley with livestream options throughout CMC's district

By Kristin Carlson

“Silent Sky” by Lauren Gunderson opens Feb. 11 at Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs. Rooted in historical events, the play tells the true story of the first women astronomers to work at the Harvard College Observatory during the early 1900s.

Henrietta Leavitt and other women scientists working at the observatory were called “computers” to describe the detail-oriented work they were assigned. Even though these women are brimming with energy, ideas and intellect, they are paid in “girl hours” and viewed as support staff for a renowned male astronomer. As they chart the expansion of the universe, they also strive to create space for new opportunities in their lives.

Leavitt is eager to get her hands on the Great Refractor telescope but is restricted to logging stars photographed by men in the department. Never one to be knocked off course by social expectations, however, she becomes obsessed with the repeating patterns of Cepheid stars, and her meticulous observations and measurements leads to a discovery that still impacts the field of astronomy today.

Women in the lab

The play covers 18 years in two acts, with Leavitt’s story told in a seamless, connective writing style that appealed to seasoned director Wendy Tennis. “The goal for the actors in this piece was to keep the scenes flowing like time-lapse photography of the night sky,” Tennis said.

In her third show with Sopris Theatre, Bostyn Elswick portrays Henrietta Leavitt, whose ambition is as boundless as the cosmos. CMC graduate Joshua Adamson plays Peter Shaw, her would-be suitor. An astronomer who wanted to be an actor, he admires the women in the lab but finds it difficult to relate to them.

Leavitt’s fellow “computers” Annie Cannon and Williamina Fleming are portrayed by veteran actor Lisa Langer and newcomer to the CMC stage Julia Whalen. Also in her first role at CMC is Hattie Rensberry, who plays Leavitt’s dutiful sister, Margaret. Abby Owens serves as stage manager.

Elswick said that playing Leavitt and learning about the unsung female astronomers at Harvard was inspiring. “Even when these women were held back and pushed down, they made discoveries that blew the men out of the water,” Elswick said.

As the only male character on the stage, Adamson said he struggled with the condescension his character often displays. “He is in this room with incredibly brilliant women, and he knows it, but he’s been raised to treat them a certain way,” said Adamson.

From Harvard to the heavens

Despite the obstacles they face independently and together, the women in “Silent Sky” take advantage of every opportunity to stretch their minds from Harvard to the heavens.

Live, in-person performances of “Silent Sky” are Feb. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 13, 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. Livestream access is available Feb. 13 at 2 p.m., and Feb. 19 and 25 at 7 p.m. The 90-minute show includes a 10-minute intermission. The actors will not be wearing masks while on stage though CMC health protocols require audience members to remain masked throughout the production.

Tickets are $20 for adults and all livestreamed shows, and $15 for seniors, students and CMC employees and are available by following the links at CMC Theatre.

The Sopris Theatre Company season presenting sponsor for “Silent Sky” is US Bank. A post-show conversation will follow live performances on February 12, 20 and 25.

@Colorado Mountain College

Contact / Campus Locations / Maps

CMC Board of Trustees

CMC Foundation

Community & Partnerships

Departments / Contact

Directory of Faculty & Staff

Donate to CMC

Employment

Website

A-Z Index

Site Feedback

Site Login

Legal

Student Consumer Information

Report a Concern/Incident @ CMC Cares

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Privacy Policy

logo - Colorado Mountain College

© 2022 / Colorado Mountain College
Administrative Office: +1-970-945-8691
802 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

logo - Colorado Mountain College

© 2022 / Colorado Mountain College
Administrative Office: +1-970-945-8691 / 802 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601