Arts & Humanities, Performances & Shows

Silent Sky

Before Edwin Hubble and Stephen Hawking, there was Henrietta Leavitt. 'Silent Sky' takes audiences on Leavitt’s real-life journey as one of Harvard Observatory’s female “human computers” at the turn of the 20th century.

Working alongside the serious Annie Jump Cannon and quick-witted Williamina Fleming, Henri perseveres against professional bias and personal doubt in her pursuit of scientific discovery that will change our understanding of the universe forever. But as she seeks answers in the stars, can Henri also build a life for herself on Earth? A story of space, symphonies, science and self-determination, Silent Sky sheds light on Leavitt’s impactful life to remind us all how vast and beautiful this universe is.

Performing Arts Department alum Ellen Schaaf (MA 2025) returns to direct.

By Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Ellen Schaaf (MA 2025)
November 20, 21 & 22 at 7:30 p.m.
November 22 & 23 at 2:00 p.m.
A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre

Bonus Event! PAD has partnered with the WashU Physics Department for a colloquium that celebrates the work of Henrietta Leavitt and explores the continued scientific developments stemming from her discovery. Learn more here!

Tickets are FREE to all WashU students with valid ID. To reserve your ticket, please visit the Washington University Box Office or call 314-935-6543. You can also claim a free ticket the night of at the box office window.

BEWARE OF SCAMS! Tickets purchased through the Washington University Box Office or online via AudienceView (also known as OvationTix) are the only approved tickets for this event. Purchases made through a third-party vendor such as StubHub, Ticketmaster, or MetroTix will NOT be valid for entry to the Theater.

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