Presented by: Galleon Theatre Group
Reviewed: 24 October, 2025
Based on true events, the Radium Girls were the female workers who died from radium poisoning caused by their workplace between 1917-1926. In this narrative, the U.S. Radium Plant held government contracts with the military to paint luminous watch dials, the benefit of using radium-based paint being that it glowed continuously. Teenagers and young women were hired for the job, and they were taught to mould the bristles with their mouth to maintain a fine point. Over time, their health deteriorated, and they sought to discover the reasons why.
With evidence kept hidden from the public by the factory, its doctor, and others that stood to financially gain from ignoring their plight, their horrific health issues and concerns were dismissed and took years to prove. In time, their refusal to stay silent — along with a sympathetic public made aware through the actions of a compassionate press — helped them find a lawyer to take on their case.
Director of Radium Girls, Kym Clayton used the Brechtian style of theatre, which includes a theatrical technique known as Verfremdungseffekt, the purpose of which is to prevent audiences from becoming too emotionally absorbed in the characters. This was achieved by using simple props, having actors play multiple roles, and placing all the costumes onstage. Built into the script at regular intervals were two reporters who addressed the audience directly, giving time stamps and brief updates on the case. This further reminded us that we were watching a play.
As a result, you stay a bit emotionally distant from the characters’ personal tragedies and even the romance between Grace and Tommy. Instead, you feel more of the anger at how unfair and unjust their situation was, and the themes being presented. Considering what the girls went through happened a century ago – and that these same corporate tactics still happen today – you leave the theatre questioning why nothing has changed. I feel angry just thinking about it, even as I write this review a day later!
The focus on Grace Fryer (Lucy Johnson) was pivotal in emphasising the themes. Although Irene (Deborah Proeve) and Kathryn (Veronika Wlodarczyk) fought alongside her, it was Fryer who led the fight. Johnson did a fantastic job showing the shift from obedient worker to being a strong and angry fighter in her posture and demeanour, simultaneously with declining health. On several occasions was often unsupported by those around her and even pressured by her mother (who guilted her with the financial struggles caused by her declining health). Johnson’s depiction of Grace made her story powerful to watch, as you fully felt both the sadness of her reality, but saw the resilience that kept her going.
What I felt shocked by was just how long these types of struggles have been going on. This historical story remains relevant today, and the production successfully forces a reflection on how little has changed in corporate ethics over the past century.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
Venue: Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre
Season: 24th Oct – 1st Nov 2025
Duration: 2 hours includes interval
Tickets: $25-$28
Bookings: https://www.galleon.org.au/html/radiumGirls.html
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