Tales of a period in American history during which business owners’ pursuit of profits led to widespread deleterious health effects will be portrayed in Tabor theater department’s presentation of “Radium Girls” by D.W. Gregory on March 8-11 in the Prieb Harder Theater in the Shari Flaming Center for the Arts.

Through the story of Grace Fryer and other women who suffered terribly as a result of industry outpacing science and neglect of persons in the name of profit, this play illustrates a critical moment in American history.

The play is a look into the 1920s, when radium was considered a miracle cure for a range of ailments and was marketed to the public as a general health booster.

The stories of Grace Fryer and other women illustrate health issues that started to surface as a result of radium exposure.

“Some people think history is boring, but ‘Radium Girls’ brings history to life,” cast member Madison Hill said. “This story is about real people facing big issues that were anything but boring. I love the passion that the play brings out in all of the actors.”

The play invokes compelling and relevant questions about the media’s role in society, laws that benefit businesses but can harm individuals, and a cultural tendency to dismiss women’s health concerns.

“It’s fascinating to work on a script that is based on true events,” said Laurel Koerner, director of theater at Tabor College. “It adds gravity to the entire process, knowing that these are real people whose stories we are telling.”

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. March 8-10 and 3 p.m. March 11.

This event has limited seating. Tickets can be purchased at the door or reserved by calling (620) 947-3121, extension 1033, or online at tabor.edu/radiumgirls.