A Staged Reading of the Play: \textit{Background}

The play is based on the true story of New York Cosmologist Dr. Ralph Alpher. The play moves backwards, as does the study of the origins of the universe, to trace the path of the forgotten and unaccredited scientist, who before the technology was capable, provided the mathematical proof of the existence of Cosmic Background Radiation. Twenty years later after two other scientists found the actual radiation and received Nobel Prizes for their accidental discovery, Ralph suffers a heart attack due to the stress of being snubbed. It is from this moment he traces backwards through his life and, ultimately, to the beginning of time. The play relies on silence, pace, and metaphor to deliver a striking, sometimes mystical look into the science of behind humans, and the humanity behind a scientist. Join us for a dramatic staged reading of \textit{Background}, a play by Lauren Gunderson (http://laurengunderson.com/ ) performed by The Overtime Theater of San Antonio. Arranged by special permission of The Gersh Agency. After the performance, the director and actors will be available for a talk-back audience discussion.