The New Galileos

by Amy Berryman

FULL LENGTH: Three female scientists find themselves held hostage by the government for their stance on climate change. The play weaves between their current crisis and their pasts, leading them to an interrogation room. What will be the price of their freedom?

FULL LENGTH: Three female scientists find themselves held hostage by the government for their stance on climate change. The play weaves between their current crisis and their pasts, leading them to an interrogation room. What will be the price of their freedom?

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The New Galileos

Recommended by

  • Samantha Marchant: The New Galileos by Amy Berryman
    “

    A play about science and what’s in between those “black and white” choices. Each woman is given an impossible choice in an impossible situation and it’s fascinating to watch how each handles herself. Their relationships outside seep in in interesting ways. High stakes!

    A play about science and what’s in between those “black and white” choices. Each woman is given an impossible choice in an impossible situation and it’s fascinating to watch how each handles herself. Their relationships outside seep in in interesting ways. High stakes!

    ”
  • Erin Malone Turner: The New Galileos by Amy Berryman
    “

    This play asks: do those in charge have the peoples' best interests in mind? What will it take to make the good ones stop fighting for what's right? Can anyone really take one's livelihood, free speech, & knowledge away? Berryman is surgical in her undertaking of very big issues & showcasing the individual, valuable lives, dreams, & fears involved in keeping truth alive. A heartfelt, harrowing, excellent play!

    This play asks: do those in charge have the peoples' best interests in mind? What will it take to make the good ones stop fighting for what's right? Can anyone really take one's livelihood, free speech, & knowledge away? Berryman is surgical in her undertaking of very big issues & showcasing the individual, valuable lives, dreams, & fears involved in keeping truth alive. A heartfelt, harrowing, excellent play!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: The New Galileos by Amy Berryman
    “

    A powerful play that forces us to confront climate change and the call to fight the silence. Well done.

    A powerful play that forces us to confront climate change and the call to fight the silence. Well done.

    ”
View all 13 recommendations

Character Information

  • Nora Travers
    marine biologist, aquarist, turned children's book author, headstrong, questioning her convictions
    mid-twenties
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Elaine Tuck
    renowned glaciologist, Nobel prize winner, slightly, stuttery, brilliant
    fifties
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Dr. Beth Whitney
    renowned author and edaphologist (soil scientist), tough, strong, guarded
    40s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Helen Matthews
    Helen Matthews is an interrogator
    She also doubles as
    Sarah Delaney, Nora's girlfriend
    Dr. Roberta Richardson, Elaine's mentor
    Audra Whitney, Beth's daughter (only heard, not seen)
    30s/40s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman

Development History

  • Reading, Caltech Theater , 2019
  • Reading, TRU New Voices, 2019
  • Workshop, First Draughts with Amios Theatre, NYC, 2018
  • Reading, The Parsnip Ship, 2018

Awards