“Jesus ministered through stories,” says Chenoa Simmonds. “In theatre we do the same thing.”
Simmonds, a senior theatre major on IWU’s Marion campus, was the director of “Silent Sky,” a play based on the true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. A pioneer in the world of astronomy, Leavitt discovered the method with which scientists now measure cosmic distances. “Silent Sky” follows Leavitt as she carves out a place for herself in a male-dominated world.
Finding God Behind the Scenes
“I took an astronomy class in order to prepare for this play,” Simmonds said when talking about the production process. She started working on this show over a year in advance, and she said that God was present throughout the entire production process: finding the right script, casting, blocking, set and lighting design, and in the performances themselves.
“From the beginning, and when things went wrong, I had a strong sense of peace. It was as if God wanted me to tell this woman’s story,” Simmonds said. “The perfect people auditioned and they played the characters perfectly. It felt like God was helping even with the casting of the show.”
With her God-breathed cast in place, Simmonds was able to tell Leavitt’s story. Simmonds and her cast performed four shows, each with an audience larger than the last.
Finding Faith in the Story
“Two of the most prominent themes found in the play are those of courage and hope,” Simmonds said when asked how this show can be used as a ministry. She went on to explain, “It took courage for Henrietta to go forth and fight for her beliefs, just like we as Christians need courage to go share our faith in God. Henrietta had hope in the existence of the galaxies she knew were out there in the cosmos, just like we have hope in existence of a God we cannot see.”
Steve Wood, Ph.D., an associate theatre professor, said, “I am proud of her. She was able to show how, even though Henrietta was an atheist, her family was not. Henrietta’s sister, Margaret, prayed for her. Her actions serve as an example for Christians everywhere of how to treat others. The play also shows how much science is dependent on humans. Science is a human discipline in which humans discover things.”
Lord, Your Servant is Listening
These are the words Chenoa wrote in her journal while she was sitting in the Williams Prayer Chapel praying about “Silent Sky”. The next thing she knew, this poem came to her.
You Belong to the Stars
By Chenoa J.O. Simmonds
To get to the stars you have to leave
the warmth of your home
where everything is predictable and comfortable
the only place you’ve ever known.
You belong to the stars.
You gaze upwards to the skies
willing them to join you in your cottage below.
Yet they twinkle defiantly in the sky
passing by just close enough to beckon you
and just far enough to capture your heart.
You belong to the stars
but only know the Earth.
The journey looks so cold and far,
if you fly up there…
you’ll have to leave the warmth of your sheets.
If you stay here…
You’ll always wonder…
Simmonds said that she was honored to work with her cast and crew and looks forward to graduation on May 2, 2026. After she graduates, she plans to pursue a career in production or stage management.
