The haunting true story of the Radium Girls comes to life through movement in ArteInMovimento Dance Company’s production of RADIUM.
In the 1910s and 1920s, young women across the United States were hired to paint luminous watch dials with radium-based paint. During World War I, their glowing work guided soldiers in the dark, and afterward, the industry expanded for civilian clocks, toys, and household goods. Told radium was harmless, even beneficial, the women lip-pointed their brushes, unknowingly ingesting poison with every stroke.
What followed was devastating. Many suffered mysterious illnesses, cancers, and the painful breakdown of their bones and jaws. When they sought answers, they were silenced, shamed, or accused of “personal failings.” Refusing to remain quiet, these women took their fight to the courts, and their lawsuits became landmark cases in labor rights history, laying the foundation for modern workplace safety standards.
Through contemporary dance, RADIUM captures both the tragedy and resilience of these women: their suffering, their courage, and their lasting impact on the world. The production transforms their story into an evocative work of art that remembers their sacrifice, honors their voices, and sparks reflection on how their struggle for justice continues to resonate today.
Apollo Civic Theatre