Review: THE LIGHTEST ELEMENT, Hampstead Theatre
Photo credit: Mark Douet
In The Lightest Element, playwright Stella Feehily illuminates the remarkable life of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, a pioneering astronomer whose groundbreaking work revolutionised our understanding of the cosmos. Set against the backdrop of 1950s America, this Hampstead Theatre production offers a poignant exploration of scientific brilliance, gender politics, and the price of defying societal norms.
The year is 1956, and Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin stands on the precipice of a historic appointment as the first woman to head a Harvard department. However, her path is fraught with obstacles: a covert investigation into alleged communist sympathies and the entrenched conservatism of her male colleagues threaten to derail her hard-earned success. When a student journalist requests an interview, Cecilia sees an opportunity to control her narrative.
Maureen Beattie delivers a remarkable and convincing performance as Cecilia, masterfully embodying both the astronomer's scientific genius and her human vulnerabilities. Beattie's nuanced portrayal captures Cecilia's eccentricities and unwavering determination, bringing to life a woman who dared to challenge the scientific orthodoxy of her time.
The supporting cast is equally commendable. Rina Mahoney shines as Rona Stewart, Cecilia's devoted assistant and gatekeeper, while Annie Kingsnorth convincingly portrays Sally Kane, the earnest student journalist whose intentions may not be as straightforward as they seem. Julian Wadham and Simon Chandler effectively represent the male-dominated scientific establishment that Cecilia must navigate, and a mention must go to the entire ensemble for strong performances.
Director Alice Hamilton, Hampstead's Associate Director, deftly handles the play's complex themes. Her direction strikes a delicate balance between the weighty scientific concepts and the human drama at the heart of the story. Hamilton's staging is both intimate and expansive, allowing the audience to connect with Cecilia's personal struggles while never losing sight of the cosmic scale of her work.
Sarah Beaton's set design is a triumph of minimalism and functionality. The almost bare stage, reminiscent of the vastness of space, is brought to life by a revolving platform that serves multiple purposes. This device not only facilitates smooth scene transitions but also seems to symbolises the celestial movements central to Cecilia's research. Zakk Hein's video projections further enhance the production, transforming the space into a lecture hall and providing visual representations of Cecilia's groundbreaking theories.
Voice coach Rebecca Clark Carey deserves special mention for the cast's consistent and convincing American accents, which effectively transport the audience to mid-20th century American academia.
One of the play's most compelling aspects is its portrayal of intelligent discourse among women grappling with societal expectations, systemic oppression, and personal ambition. These interactions are nuanced and layered, reflecting the complex reality of women in academia during this era. The characters' mutual respect is not automatically granted but earned through shared struggles and intellectual kinship. Poignant, also, is the depiction of solidarity among these defiant women. As they challenge the status quo together, their collective strength becomes a source of comfort and inspiration, both for each other and for the audience. Feehily's script, originally commissioned by the Manhattan Theatre Club, skillfully weaves together scientific concepts, personal drama, and broader societal issues. The play not only celebrates Payne-Gaposchkin's scientific acumen but also sheds light on the broader challenges faced by women in science during her era.
While The Lightest Element may not push theatrical boundaries, it succeeds in telling a crucial story with sincerity and finesse and in conclusion, stands as a well-crafted homage to a long-overlooked scientific luminary. With its compelling performances, thoughtful design, and significant message, it offers audiences both an enlightening experience and an engaging evening at the theatre.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Stephanie Osztreicher
The Lightest Element plays at Hampstead Theatre until 12 October, with further info here.
