Synopsis
The discovery of DNA transformed modern science, shaping genetic, medical and evolutionary biology. In 1962 the Nobel prize for physiology and medicine went to three men, for their structural theory of DNA. However, this award failed to acknowledge the woman, Rosalind Franklin, who researched alongside them and carried out experiments which provided crucial evidence which formed their theory – Photo 51. Rosalind faced misogyny throughout her scientific career, leaving her name in the shadows of history.
Director’s note
Creating this piece, based on the true events from 1951–1962, I was struck by the extent of the misogyny Rosalind Franklin faced, and by how recent these attitudes were prevalent, with James Watson passing away only last year. Reading his book The Double Helix, I found his descriptions of Rosalind and their working relationship deeply unsettling, and I chose to include direct quotes from Watson and others to present their attitudes exactly as they were expressed. It has been a rewarding process bringing the history to life in this short performance, highlighting the amazing progress made, while empowering us to confront the inequality which remains. -Nikita U6
Cast
Rosalind Franklin – Clara
James Watson – Susie
Maurice Wilkins – Grace
Francis Crick – Nikita
Crew
Playwright/ Director – Nikita
Technical Director – Ms McNally-Cross
