Element 109

by Erin Moughon

At the height of World War II, Lise Meitner, the woman responsible for nuclear fission, was courted by FDR to work on the Manhattan Project. Now, Ellen is being courted by the military to use her work with Element 109, named for Meitner, to create new weapons. Meitner is firm in her refusal (one of only two people to refuse), but Ellen is uncertain. Meitner convinces her of the value of work and importance of...

At the height of World War II, Lise Meitner, the woman responsible for nuclear fission, was courted by FDR to work on the Manhattan Project. Now, Ellen is being courted by the military to use her work with Element 109, named for Meitner, to create new weapons. Meitner is firm in her refusal (one of only two people to refuse), but Ellen is uncertain. Meitner convinces her of the value of work and importance of holding fast to one's beliefs.

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Element 109

Recommended by

  • Jewish Plays Project: Element 109 by Erin Moughon
    “

    Jewish Plays Project would like to acknowledge that ELEMENT 109 received Commended status for our first Ten Minute Play Contest OOF: On One Foot, which searched nationally for plays from artists of all backgrounds responding to our prompt on healing & repair. Our Artist Panel readers appreciated the craft, style, and creativity, as well as how it theatrically expressed the first annual contest theme of healing & repair.

    Jewish Plays Project would like to acknowledge that ELEMENT 109 received Commended status for our first Ten Minute Play Contest OOF: On One Foot, which searched nationally for plays from artists of all backgrounds responding to our prompt on healing & repair. Our Artist Panel readers appreciated the craft, style, and creativity, as well as how it theatrically expressed the first annual contest theme of healing & repair.

    ”
  • Jennifer Walton: Element 109 by Erin Moughon
    “

    I thoroughly enjoyed Element 109. Putting a spotlight on Meitner's work and her under-representation in history, playwright Moughon spotlights not only Meitner's scientific contributions, but being a role-model for the ethical considerations of science and to women scientist. Structurally intriguing, Moughon achieves great dramatic effect in a scant 11 pages. I'd love to see this produced.

    I thoroughly enjoyed Element 109. Putting a spotlight on Meitner's work and her under-representation in history, playwright Moughon spotlights not only Meitner's scientific contributions, but being a role-model for the ethical considerations of science and to women scientist. Structurally intriguing, Moughon achieves great dramatic effect in a scant 11 pages. I'd love to see this produced.

    ”
  • Maximillian Gill: Element 109 by Erin Moughon
    “

    I am ashamed to confess I never heard of Lise Meitner until this play opened my eyes. Moughon's play brings Meitner alive and gives her a voice that resonates with a love of science and a devotion to peace. I also like the parallel with a modern scientist, which unfortunately highlights that so many things just haven't changed since 1943. An important and enlightening piece.

    I am ashamed to confess I never heard of Lise Meitner until this play opened my eyes. Moughon's play brings Meitner alive and gives her a voice that resonates with a love of science and a devotion to peace. I also like the parallel with a modern scientist, which unfortunately highlights that so many things just haven't changed since 1943. An important and enlightening piece.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Untold Stories of Jewish Women, 2018