Legacy of Light is a play by Karen Zacarias that explores the similarities and differences between the lives of women scientists in the 1700s and the present day.
Karen Zacarias is a playwright-in-residence for the Arena Stage in Washington D.C.,[1] where her contemporary comedy premiered on May 8, 2009.
The play features an ensemble of six characters that include two historical figures: Emilie du Châtelet and Voltaire.
Millie tells the couple that she wants to do something that matters in life, and believes that making Olivia a mother will do just that; the money she will be paid will help her go to fashion design school in Paris.
The scene shifts back to the 1700s, as Emile tells Saint-Lambert that she is expecting his child; however, he cannot stay with her because he must go write for the king.
Back in New York, Olivia talks to the Board of Directors and patrons of her institute about the planet she may have discovered.
Millie shares the real reason she is going through the surrogacy, which is to save her family home from being foreclosed.
Millie has a sonogram, which Olivia missed because of her work; the couple decides that they will wait to find out the baby's gender.
Emilie has written a paper that is contradictory to Newton’s ideas, and tells Voltaire just how important her work is to her.
Lewis punches Peter in the face, while expressing his disdain for his sister's surrogacy; in his anger he reveals that Millie was doing this to save the house and that she wasn’t really going to school.
The two worlds merge, as Olivia is hiding in a tree when she and Voltaire discuss science and scientific theories.
PAULINE: Daughter of Emilie and Monsieur du Châtelet PETER: Olivia’s husband.
[3] The roles of Saint-Lambert and Lewis, Olivia and Wet Nurse, and Peter and Monsieur du Châtelet are traditionally played by the same actors.
Sources:[4][5] Legacy of Light had its premiere on the west coast at the San Jose Repertory theater on March 24, 2011.
The Steinberg award is given out annually for the best new scripts that were produced and premiered at a professional level outside of New York.