Pictured: SOU Theatre students Samantha Mansell, Elizabeth Adams & Sarah Watson (photo credit, Marvin Walder)
Radium Girls by D.W. Gregory
Ashland, OR — Southern Oregon University Theatre is proud to present Radium Girls by D.W. Gregory, a compelling and deeply human drama set during a pivotal moment of American history. Under the direction of Terri McMahon, this production explores the true story of the young women who worked as dial watch painters whose determination and courage helped lead a legal battle against the U.S. Radium Corporation and reshape conversations around workers’ rights and industrial safety.
Pictured: SOU Theatre students Samantha Mansell, Elizabeth Adams & Sarah Watson (photo credit, Marvin Walder)
“Every play, I believe, is about the pursuit of love”
Gregory’s script brings nuance and depth to a well-known historical event, as the play moves beyond recounting, offering layered portrayal of individuals. “Characters are three-dimensional and rich in justifications, hopes, excuses, contradictions, and real complications. We are given many sides of the people in this narrative.” says director Terri McMahon.
For McMahon, the heart of Radium Girls lies in its emotional and ethical complexity. “Every play, I believe, is about the pursuit of love,” she explains. “Every play. In all its relational meanings.” This production asks audiences to consider the intent behind pursuit, whether for success or recognition, can sometimes lead to harmful consequences. “This play and experience have prompted me to ask what in present day life can use my good time and attention as people pursue aggrandizement for the love of something that is harmful to others.”
Pictured: SOU Theatre students Samantha Mansell, Elizabeth Adams & Sarah Watson (photo credit, Marvin Walder)
Radium Girls offers a reflection of both a specific historical event and ongoing societal issues. “We hope you find this experience a reflection of humanity with not only its hopes and difficulties for the period and the story the play takes place in, but for the ongoing struggles we have that can envelop our society and culture when merely public image and personal profit want to prevail.”
Performance Details: Radium Girls
Dates: May 21st – May 31st 2026
Time: 5/21 – 5/23 & 5/28 – 5/30 8:00 PM (2:00 PM matinee on Saturday 5/30 and Sunday 5/31)
Location: SOU Main Stage Theatre, 491 South Mountain Ave, Ashland OR 97520
Tickets: $25 General Admission / $20 Senior / Students (of any school) Free Admission
Available at: sou.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1732
Director Biography
Terri McMahon is an actor and director. Her local credits include serving as an acting company member on the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s three stages for 23 seasons. She also worked for OSF’s education department directing and acting in the outreach School Visit Program for a number of years. Terri directed The Merry Wives of Windsor not only at OSF in 2025 for their 90th anniversary season, but also at American Players Theatre, Great Lakes Shakespeare, Idaho Shakespeare Festival and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Macbeth, Othello, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Henry V and King Lear are among other Shakespeare plays Terri has directed across regional theaters. Terri has directed locally at Rogue Theatre Company and The Cabaret and for SOU, Top Girls and Silkworms.
About the Southern Oregon University Theatre Department
The SOU Theatre Department offers students a unique and rigorous professional training experience focused on hands-on production and collaboration. Situated near the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the department prepares students for careers in performance, design, and technical theatre through a diverse curriculum and intensive practical application.
