Bozeman Magazine

These Shining Lives, by Melanie Marnich
In March, Verge Theater is proud to present These Shining Lives, Melanie Marnich's play based on a true story of four women who worked in a watch factory in the 1920s. The story dramatizes the danger that women faced as new members of the American workforce, and the lack of concern by companies for protecting their employees. Contemporarily, as we debate concussion protocols in the NFL, and despair over textile mills collapsing on workers throughout the world, Marnich's play adds a human voice to the dialogue and speaks relevant volumes.

Catherine Donohue lands a good paying job with the Radium Dial Watch Company, painting the faces of watches with a radioactive Radium compound that glows in the dark. The women are told that the compound is not dangerous, and actually may have healthful attributes, but as the watches pile up, the symptoms start to mount, and the women must fight battles on many fronts as their new worlds begin to decay. The emancipation that comes with money and work outside of the home exposes the women to new friendships, new ideas, and new perils.

These Shining Lives will feature some of Bozeman's best young talent, in roles that will stay with you for a long time. Performances will begin promptly at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays from March 18-April 2. Verge Theater.  is located at 2304 N. 7th Ave, across from Murdoch's. Reservations are $14, and can be made in person at Cactus Records in Downtown Bozeman, or online at Vergetheater.com.