Searching for Galileo's Daughter

The first child of the great astronomer Galileo entered a Tuscan convent in her teens. He’d taught her much about the heavens as a child, and during her years as a nun she remained scientifically curious while maintaining close contact with her father, even as the Catholic Church condemned him for promoting a sun-centered universe. Many of the letters she wrote to Galileo survive, and served as inspiration for Jessica Dickey’s play, which takes us on a freewheeling, time-shifting journey through Florence, Italy. The recording includes a conversation with author Jessica Dickey.This play is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series of science-themed plays. Lead funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, bridging science and the arts in the modern world.Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood, in July 2025.Directed by Anna Lyse EriksonProducing Susan Albert LoewenbergAn L.A. Theatre Works full-cast recording, Jessica Dickey as WriterGinnifer Goodwin as DaughterGregory Harrison as GalileoMoira Quirk as Audio Tour Voice, Front Desk Lady, Librarian, and othersNick Toren as Friar Martine, Charles Ellis, Scientist, and othersAdapted for audio by Mark HoldenRecording Engineer and Neil Wogensen for The Invisible Studios, West HollywoodMixing Charles CarrollSound Melissa Rimza, with assistance from Mark HoldenFoley Jeff GardnerSenior Radio Ronn LipkinOriginally commissioned and developed by The Ensemble Studio Theatre / Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science & Technology ProjectGALILEO’S DAUGHTER premiered at Remy Bumppo Theatre CompanyDeveloped and directed by Marti Lyons, Artistic Director, Margaret McCloskey, Executive Director