Hampstead Theatre announce the full cast for the world premiere of The Lightest Element, a compelling new play by Stella Feehily. Directed by Hampstead’s Associate Director Alice Hamilton, the production will run from 5 September to 12 October, with a press night on Thursday 12 September at 7.00pm.
One hundred years ago one of the most eminent astronomers of the 20th Century, British born Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin revolutionised our understanding of stars. Now a new play will illuminate her life and achievements.
Maureen Beattie, renowned for her acclaimed stage work in Yerma (Young Vic), Duet for One (Orange Tree), The Ferryman (Gielgud) as well as her television work Deadwater Fell, Bramwell and Outlander, stars as Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin.
She is joined by Steffan Cennydd (Hir, Park Theatre); Simon Chandler (Ravens: Spassky vs Fischer, Hampstead Theatre); Rina Mahoney (Mary and George, Sky); Simon Markey (The Visit, National Theatre); Julian Wadham (Another Country, West End; The English Patient; The Madness of King George) plus recent graduates Hari Kang and Annie Kingsnorth.
Director, Alice Hamilton, says: “This play is a vivid and vital celebration of a woman whose name should be far better known. Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin was an extraordinary woman, and I am so looking forward to working with this brilliant company to bring her story into the light.”
Boston 1956. Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, one of the most eminent astronomers of the twentieth century, is about to be appointed Chair of Astronomy and the first woman to head a Harvard department. Only two things stand in her way: a covert investigation aimed at exposing her as a communist sympathiser, and the entrenched conservatism of her male colleagues. When a student journalist asks to profile her it feels like an opportunity to control her own narrative – assuming, of course, that the invitation is actually what it seems…
Stella Feehily’s taut drama explores how challenging social norms can be almost as difficult as overturning scientific orthodoxy. Her other plays include Duck and O Go My Man (Royal Court), Dreams of Violence (Soho), and This May Hurt a Bit (Tour and St James’).
Director Alice Hamilton is Hampstead’s Associate Director, with credits including The Memory of Water, The Dumb Waiter, The Harmony Test, Out of Season, Nineteen Gardens and the Olivier nominated Every Day I Make Greatness Happen.
The Lightest Element will feature design by Sarah Beaton, lighting design by Johanna Town and sound design by Harry Blake. The casting director is Gabrielle Dawes.
