Boze Lyric Theatre at Anderson University Presents Radium Girls
Inspired by a true story, “Radium Girls” follows young watch dial painters who fought for justice after radium exposure sparked a landmark labor and public health case.
The School of Music and Performing Arts’ Boze Lyric Theatre at Anderson University presents “Radium Girls” by D.W. Gregory, with performances April 10-12 and April 17-18 in Byrum Hall. A free preview performance will be held Thursday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Set in 1926, “Radium Girls” is inspired by the true story of the young women who painted luminous watch dials during the height of America’s fascination with radium. Celebrated at the time as a scientific breakthrough, radium was widely believed to possess remarkable healing properties. When several dial painters began to suffer from a mysterious illness, Grace Fryer emerged as a determined voice seeking clarity and accountability through the legal system. Her pursuit becomes a landmark moment in American labor and public health history.
This production features a cast of 13 actors portraying more than 30 characters, reflecting the broad social landscape surrounding the case. Using conventions of social realism and incorporating a Greek chorus, the staging underscores the collective experience of the community and situates the personal stories within their larger historical and cultural context. These theatrical devices invite audiences to witness not only an individual struggle, but a pivotal chapter in American history.
Performance dates are Friday, April 10 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 12 at 2:30 p.m.; and Saturday, April 18 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. All performances take place in Byrum Hall.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors/military and non-AU students. Anderson University students receive one free ticket, and AU faculty and staff receive two free tickets to one performance. For more information, contact the Boze Lyric Theatre box office at (765) 641-4140.
About Anderson University
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, social work, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.
