Photograph 51

Photograph 51

By Anna Ziegler
Directed by Kennikki Jones-Jones

Performances: Feb. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 2024

Times: Friday & Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.

Location: The Marlene Boll Theatre, 1401 Broadway Street, Detroit

Overview:

The Detroit Mercy Theatre Company is proud to present the Michigan premiere of Photograph 51, a captivating and thought-provoking play that tells the story of Rosalind Franklin, the unsung hero of DNA research. Set in the 1950s, the play explores the intense competition between scientists as they race to unravel the secrets of the double helix structure of DNA. At the heart of the story is Franklin, a brilliant and determined scientist whose work is overlooked and undervalued due to her gender. With wit and passion, Photograph 51 takes us on a journey through the exhilarating and often treacherous world of scientific discovery and raises important questions about the nature of scientific progress, the role of women in science, and the ethics of scientific competition. This is a must-see production that will leave you thinking long after the final curtain call. 

Recommended for ages 12+

Photograph 51 runs 90 minutes with no intermission.

Buy Tickets Here!

Special Events:

  • Friday, Feb. 9: College of Liberal Arts & Education Night. Opening Night Performance & Reception. Sponsored by Thomas E. Page, ’71, ’76
  • Saturday, Feb. 10: High School Night - free tickets for any current high school student and family! Call 313-993-3270 or email theatre@udmercy.edu for tickets.
  • Sunday, Feb. 11: Breaking Barriers, Building Opportunity: Join us for an engaging exploration of the remarkable women in STEM, echoing the legacy of Rosalind Franklin, whose groundbreaking contributions resound through the corridors of scientific history. Led by Dr. Stephanie Conant of the Department of Biology at University of Detroit Mercy. Presented as a part of the Detroit Theatre Discussion Project.
  • Friday, Feb. 16: UDM College of Engineering and Science Night at the Theatre
  • Saturday, Feb. 17: UDM Winter Blast Special! All tickets $10.
  • Sunday, Feb. 18: Closing performance

All special events are open to the public.