DETROIT, MI–Photograph 51, a compelling play by Anna Ziegler, delves into the fascinating story behind one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the 20th century: the structure of DNA. Set against the backdrop of the intense race for scientific glory, the play offers a compelling portrayal of the challenges faced by the brilliant yet often overlooked scientist Rosalind Franklin.

The play is presented at The Marlene Boll Theatre through February 18.

Ziegler’s script skillfully weaves together elements of science, ethics, and personal ambition, creating a thought-provoking narrative that resonates at a time when the enlightened in today’s society look for stories of important accomplishments of largely unsung women and people of color.

The play shines a spotlight on the contributions of Rosalind Franklin, whose crucial X-ray diffraction image, known as Photograph 51, provided critical insights into the double helix structure of DNA. However, it also highlights the injustices she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, including the overshadowing of her work by her male counterparts. Indeed, her breakthrough was stolen by two white men who claimed credit.

The character development in “Photograph 51” is exceptional, particularly in its portrayal of Franklin, played deftly by Katherine Mutschler.  Through nuanced dialogue and powerful performances, the audience is given insight into her intellect, determination, and inner struggles. Moreover, the interactions between Franklin and other key figures in the scientific community, such as Maurice Wilkins (Joseph Sfair) James Watson (Luke Adamkiewicz) and Francis Crick (Jordan Collyer), add depth to the narrative, exploring themes of rivalry, ambition, and ethical responsibility.

Director Kennikki Jones-Jones has led a production and immersive experience of Photograph 51, with evocative set pieces by Alan Devlin and lighting that effectively capture the mood and atmosphere of the era. The use of multimedia elements, including projections of Franklin’s actual X-ray diffraction images, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the performance, allowing audiences to connect more deeply with the scientific process unfolding on stage.

Overall, “Photograph 51” is a compelling and thought-provoking play that sheds light on an important chapter in scientific history while also exploring timeless themes of gender, ambition, and ethics.