insignificant
the stories behind the first female astronomers
Boston, 1925.
In 1925 Harvard College Observatory, young astronomer Cecilia Payne seeks guidance from veteran scientist Annie Jump Cannon on her groundbreaking doctoral thesis. Sensing Cecilia's doubts about her revolutionary findings, Annie leads her through the forgotten stories of brilliant women whose research changed astronomy forever: Mina Fleming, Antonia Maury, and Henrietta Leavitt. Through Sean Michael Welch's unconventional drama, IVP illuminates how these women navigated a male-dominated field in the early 20th century, making astounding discoveries that lived throughout the centuries while their names were erased from history. Defiantly sarcastic and deeply moving, the play reveals how women scientists broke every rule to claim their place among the stars.
Produced by Infinite Variety Productions
Written by Sean Michael Welch
Subject matter: astronomy, women in STEM, memory
Community Response
Insignificant has created vital connections between theatre and scientific communities, bridging the gap between artistic storytelling and STEM education. IVP's post-show talk-backs featured leading experts from New York University, College of Staten Island, Hudson Planetarium, and the American Museum of Natural History, including astronomers Gerceida Jones, Emily L. Rice, Marc Taylor, and Jillian Bellovary.
The production's partnership with "The Astronomers on Tap" demonstrates IVP's commitment to making science accessible through storytelling. These collaborations have brought contemporary astronomers into dialogue with audiences about both historical and current challenges facing women in STEM fields.
Educational institutions and science museums have embraced the production as a tool for exploring how gender bias has shaped scientific history. Audiences regularly connect the play's themes to ongoing discussions about representation in STEM, recognizing how these early pioneers' struggles continue to resonate with contemporary women scientists fighting for recognition and equal opportunities in their fields.
What People Are Saying
“a wonder”
— City of Kik
“the play reminds us that women have to break all the rules to make history”
— Sarah B. Roberts
Production History
December 2015: premiered at The Kraine Theatre. Directed by Colleen Britt. Featuring Kathleen O'Neill, Deanna McGovern, Laura King Otazo, Ashley Adelman, Alla Illvosa, Andrew Dunn, Jordan Gwiazdowski and Timothy Ellis Riley.
March 2016: partnership with "The Astronomers on Tap"
The production originated from conversations between playwright Sean Michael Welch and IVP Founder Ashley Adelman during a theatre festival in Wyoming, leading to IVP's commission of this original work.