Sleuthing and Self-Discovery

Galileo’s Daughter

A smart, prolific New York playwright, primarily known for her Off-Broadway dramas, opens this World Premiere by Jessica Dickey. Known only as the Writer, the playwright speaks directly to the audience, continually breaking the fourth wall. While trying to decide whether or not to sign divorce papers, the Writer heads to Italy to clear her mind and do some research for her next play. As the play jumps back and forth in time, the playwright finds herself in modern-day Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, searching for a collection of archived letters written by Maria Celeste to her father, Galileo Galilei.

Nicknamed the Father of Observational Astronomy, Galileo would also come to be known as the initiator of modern classical physics and the scientific method. The scientist also championed Hans Lippershey’s new invention, the telescope, by using it for studying the heavens. Through his celestial discoveries, Galileo published papers detailing the planetary phases of Venus, the four largest moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, the sighting of sunspots and the craters of the moon. 

But the brilliant scientist also lived a dangerous life. Contrary to the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church, the devoutly pious Galileo proclaimed to the world that the Earth was not the center of the universe. Discovering evidence to support Copernicus’ heliocentric theory, Galileo declared that all the planets and their moons revolved around the sun. Because this contradicted Holy Scripture, Galileo was tried for his scientific declaration during the 1605 Roman Inquisition. Eventually he was declared a heretic. Although he escaped being put to death, Galileo spent the rest of his life under house arrest.

The controversial scientist shared his passion for studying astronomy with his daughter, Virginia. But since Virginia so passionately loved studying the stars and planets and supported her father’s heliocentric theory of the universe, her life was in danger. So Galileo convinced the Convent of San Matteo to accept his daughter, where she became a nun. Virginia changed her name to Maria Celeste, as a tribute to both the Virgin Mary and to her father’s life work.

We follow the Writer on her wild goose chase through Florence, Italy. She encounters and details to the audience all the challenges and blind alleys in which she finds herself in pursuance of the preserved letters that Maria Celeste, known only as the Daughter, wrote to Galileo. Through her search she encounters many interesting Italian men and learns a great deal about the famed Renaissance scientist and modern Italian culture. The drama, which is filled with sincerity, scientific facts and spirituality, bears a resemblance to Dan Brown’s novel, The DaVinci Code. In other words, this 85-minute one-act is at once intelligent, enlightening and filled with humanity. 

Under the guidance of Remy Bumppo’s Artistic Director, Marti Lyons, this is an excellent production by a talented director. The play is captivating and mysterious. Ms. Lyons draws brilliant performances from her three gifted actors. Core Ensemble Member of Remy Bumppo, the always incredible Linda Gillum brings exceptional depth and immediacy to her fine portrayal of the Writer. She takes the audience on her character’s intricate and often frustrating journey toward discovery, not only of the letters but of herself. 

Chike Johnson, last seen in Goodman Theatre’s production of “Toni Stone,” is magnificent as Galileo. In Mr. Johnson’s capable hands, this father of science shows himself to also be a loving, devoted father of an inquisitive young daughter, as well as a caring teacher and guardian. But astoundingly, Mr. Johnson also plays an array of other colorful characters, including the stern Friar of the Convent and a compassionate Italian gentleman the Writer meets at a bar. Emily Bosco, who makes her Chicago Theatre debut as the Daughter, is simply superb. Eloquent, fervent, sometimes child-like, but always mesmerizing, Ms. Bosco should soon become a familiar face on Windy City stages.

This new play by Jessica Dickey, directed with grace and dignity by Marti Lyons, is bewitching and enthralling. Costumed by Finnegan Chu and staged upon Yeaj Kim’s versatile scenic design, the production is beautifully enhanced by John Boesche’s incredible projections and Christopher Kriz’s sound design and original music. Theatergoers will find delight in this deep and often funny story about the relationship between a father and daughter, who just happens to be one of the superstars of science. In addition, it’s a story of scholarly sleuthing and emotional self-discovery that spans centuries. Remy Bumppo has, once again, done itself proud.   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented April 5-May 14 by Remy Bumppo Theatre Company at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-975-8150 or by going to www.RemyBumppo.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.