CORVALLIS, Ore. - Staci Swedeen's play, "The Feeble-Mindedness of Woman," a historically based work that depicts the story of the first American woman to win a Nobel Prize, will open at Oregon State University's Withycombe Hall Lab Theatre on Feb. 8.

OSU Theatre and The Women's Giving Circle will present the play Feb. 8-11 beginning at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. A post-show discussion will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11.

"The Feeble-Mindedness of Woman" is about Gerty Cori, a pioneer in biochemistry and for other women in the sciences. The biographical narrative of Cori and her struggles for recognition in her field in the 1930s and '40s is interwoven with the story of a contemporary acting troupe producing a play about the scientist and her husband, Carl. The dual narratives interplay as the sexism Cori faces as a woman in the sciences is echoed by similar struggles the actress playing Cori must overcome in the arts.

The minimalist production features a cast of five actors, including OSU students Madison Shirley as Gerty, Megan Grassl as Mildred, Sam Thompson as Carl, Chris Peterson as Man No. 1, Matt O'Brien as Man No. 2.

"The 'minimalism' of the production is interesting," said the play's director, Vreneli Farber. "The focus will be on the actors and the story they tell."

Tickets are available at the door and are $8 general, $6 for senior, $5 for youth/student and free for all OSU students. For more information contact the OSU Theatre Box Office at 541-737-2784 or visit us at http://oregonstate.edu/dept/theatre

This production is made possible through the support from the Center for the Humanities, OSU College of Science, OSU Department of Chemistry, Hundere Foundation, OSU Research Office, and the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Click photos to see a full-size version. Right click and save image to download.