Legacy of Light

Enter the world of Emilie du Châtelet, an 18th century physicist who falls in love with the renowned writer and philosopher Voltaire. Jump forward to the present day world of Olivia, also a physicist, in remission from cancer. What could these women’s stories have in common? D.C. playwright Karen Zacarías (The Book Club Play, Mariela in the Desert) teams up with Arena’s own Artistic Director Molly Smith to tell a time-traveling tale of discovery-both scientific and maternal. Facing motherhood with some trepidation, Emilie fears she will die in labor, leaving her work unfinished, and Olivia wonders how much she will have to sacrifice to be a mother. Both women worry it will cost them their dreams of scientific immortality. A riveting drama with unexpected twists, this Arena-commissioned play brings a new voice to the stage–one that speaks with great eloquence on two women’s quest for knowledge and love.