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Anna Ziegler’s Photograph 51 Puts Overlooked Science Pioneer in Focus at South Coast Repertory

It has been called the most important photograph ever taken—an image that led to a breakthrough in genetics research. The X-ray crystallographer who took it, Rosalind Franklin, is at the heart of Anna Ziegler’s Photograph 51,  directed by Kimberly Senior.

The story follows Franklin, a British science pioneer, whose groundbreaking role in the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure in the 1950s is still often overlooked. Based on a true story, Photograph 51 offers an intriguing portrait of a complex, courageous woman who makes her way in a male-dominated field. As rival teams of researchers compete for a breakthrough, Franklin—focused and unbending—is locked in a race of her own.

“In looking at moments in history—and, in this case, at the work of Rosalind Franklin—we are able to shed light on our present moment,” said Senior. “Photograph 51 urges us to let these long-unacknowledged voices sing so that we may hear their echo as we raise up the next generation of scientists, professionals and leaders.”

The cast includes Giovanni Adams, George Ketsios, Anil Margsahayam, Riley Neldam, Joshua Odsess-Rubin and Helen Sadler.

Photograph 51 was produced in London’s West End and won Britain’s WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play (for the production with Nicole Kidman, directed by Michael Grandage). The Telegraph called the play “a triumph.”

Ziegler’s works also have been produced at Roundabout Theatre Company, Manhattan Theatre Club, Williamstown Theater Festival, Geffen Playhouse, The Old Globe Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre and many others. Her play Actually won the Los Angeles Ovation Award for Playwriting for an Original Play; The Last Match was nominated for the Craig Noel Award for Outstanding New Play; A Delicate Ship was a New York Times Critic’s Pick; The Wanderers won the Blanche and Irving Laurie Theatre Visions Fund; and Boy was nominated for the New York Outer Critics Circle’s John Gassner Award for a New American Play. She holds commissions from Roundabout Theatre Company, Second Stage Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre and Geffen Playhouse. Oberon Books published a collection of her work, Anna Ziegler: Plays One.

Previews Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, March 5-7, at 7:45 p.m.

Plays Tuesdays-Sundays, March 9-10; March 12-17; and March 19-23, at 7:45 p.m.

Saturdays-Sundays, March 9-10; March 16-17; and March 23-24 at 2 p.m.

ASL-interpreted: Saturday, March 16, at 2 p.m.

Special Events:

Post-Show Discussions:  Tuesday, March 12, and Wednesday, March 13. Discuss the play with Photograph 51 cast members during free post-show discussions led by South Coast Repertory’s literary team. Julianne Argyros Stage.

For complete information, visit: www.scr.org.

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