The play is set in 1912, when Nobel-Prize-winning scientist Marie Curie was involved in a ruinous scandal after the public became aware of her supposed affair with a married man, Paul Langevin. Bombarded with judgement by the public, Marie hid from almost everyone without a place to go, until her engineer and suffragette friend Hertha Ayrton invited her to her seaside home in England, where they talked about love, life, friendship, and everything in between.
In a play without many characters or big stage pieces, the dialogue serves as the main vehicle to present the compelling story. So without further ado, here is SEA Wave’s High Five review of The Half-Life of Marie Curie in quotable quotes.
“We’re women—we’re always at the front line of something”
Photo from Kyle Venturillo
In a time where women have historically been belittled and marginalized, The Half-Life of Marie Curie makes sure to celebrate the resilience and brilliance of women.
While Marie was trying to remain out of sight from the public and media due to the scandal, Hertha made her realize the important role that women play in society. Despite all the naysayers trying to diminish women’s voices, they cannot deny the fact that women are constantly engaged in pivotal and transformative movements, whether personal, professional, or societal.
Their presence at the forefront highlights the crucial role they play in shaping the future. And up to this day, we can still see how women were always the first ones at the line, leading and overcoming crises.
“You are a masterpiece in human form”
Photo from Kyle Venturillo
It was Hertha who told Marie that she’s a masterpiece in human form, but this line applies to the two of them, as they both have shown us different facets of humanity bubbling over in times of crises.
The people who brought these masterpieces to life are Missy Maramara (Marie) and Caisa Borromeo (Hertha). Their emotions displayed in every uttered line and their unbroken connection with the audience drive home the narrative and show how committed they are to their characters. I can’t imagine other actors in the roles because of how utterly Missy and Caisa lived as the characters on stage.
“If they say you can’t show up, show up anyway”
Photo from Kyle Venturillo
These days, showing up is more than just about the physical appearance; it’s more about the strong spirit to face challenges head-on. The courage of Marie showing up at the ceremony of her second Nobel Prize in chemistry even when she wasn’t wanted is a beautiful act of inspiration to every woman to not let any judgement nor any person overshadow their achievements.
Despite being set over a century ago, the narrative of The Half-Life of Marie Curie is relatable to women of different ages, with striking dialogue that cuts to the heart of the struggles that women face. Big round of applause for Lauren Gunderson for showing up and creating this masterpiece that gives voices and inspiration to the women of today.
“Love is a protest”
Photo from Kyle Venturillo
The phrase “love is a protest” can mean a lot of things, but Marie and Hertha’s story has made the audience realize that love, in its purest forms, can be a powerful act of resistance—against societal injustice in general, and specifically against gender biases.
Even without big sets or stage effects, the play also acted as a dynamic protest, urging the audience to reflect on the systemic injustice against women and how love can defy barriers. The small stage with tables and chairs has become a battleground for Marie, Hertha, and everyone of us to continue hoping for and building a more compassionate society that empowers women and treats them fairly.
“I outlasted them”
Photo from Kyle Venturillo
In the end, Marie, along with Hertha, outlasted all the outrage and judgement from the world. They have shown how resilience and determination can turn barriers into stepping stones.
The Half-Life of Marie Curie is a powerful story of friendship between two remarkable women who have outlasted the gender biases that have held them back. Ninety minutes may be a short time to tell the whole life story of Marie and Hertha, but it is surely enough time to celebrate womanhood and give hope that someday we will have a world where fairness and respect are not mere ideals but concrete realities for women.
With its empowering story and brilliant performance from the two geniuses cast, SEA Wave rates The Half-Life of Marie Curie a 4/5 waves.