The play, which has never been seen on stage until now, delves into the timely and critical issues surrounding nuclear power, both at a national and international level, all set against the backdrop of the period’s anxieties about global power dynamics, nuclear disaster, and the threat of communism. At times gripping, thought-provoking, and even humorous, Not for a Cat: A Play for the Nuclear Age promises to be a unique theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
The play's journey to the stage is as remarkable as the work itself. Last year, Karen, a family member of the Harper family living in Canada, reached out to the Lady Margaret Players, the esteemed theatre society from St John’s College, with a family treasure: the play her grandfather, Wallace R. Harper, had written in the 1950s. For years, the manuscript had been tucked away in the family archives. With the 150th anniversary of the Cavendish Laboratory in 2024, it seemed like the perfect time to bring this historical gem to life.
The Lady Margaret Players eagerly embraced the opportunity to stage Not for a Cat: A Play for the Nuclear Age and, after a public search for a director, have assembled a talented team and cast. Rehearsals are currently underway, and the play is set to be performed as part of this year’s Cambridge Festival, offering a captivating window into the past while highlighting concerns that remain strikingly relevant today.
The plot of Not for a Cat: A Play for the Nuclear Age follows a dinner party thrown by David and his wife, Susan, which takes an unexpected turn. As the evening unfolds, David, who works at a nearby nuclear power station, is called away on an urgent matter. Unbeknownst to him, their cat, Cara, follows him to the station and ends up in one of the reactors. In a desperate bid to save her, David enters the reactor, facing a potentially fatal dose of radiation. What follows is a thrilling mix of chaos, political intrigue, and a satirical look at the anxieties of the time. The play also includes corrupt politicians, a mysterious figure in a trench coat, and a strong feminist undercurrent that will resonate with modern audiences.
The performance will also be followed by a short discussion by leading Cambridge academics on the history and science behind the play.
This wonderful rediscovery of a historical work adds to the cultural vibrancy of the Cambridge Festival, offering a glimpse into the past, while also engaging with timeless themes of science, politics, and the human experience.
Wallace Harper’s granddaughter, Karen said: “The best part about the discovery of my grandfather's play and novel is getting to know him and my grandmother. Although he died when I was very young, I am learning about his interests, his creativity and especially his sense of humour by reading his play and novel.
“Researching my grandparents’ legacy has been a fascinating journey, uncovering not only their contributions to physics but also the challenges they faced as pioneers, particularly my grandmother, a rare woman in the field during the 1920s.
“The world premiere of Not For a Cat at the Cambridge Festival is a special moment for me, as it brings my grandfather's work to the stage for the first time. This play, along with the discoveries I’ve made about their lives, highlights their dedication to science and the significant role they played at a pivotal time in physics. I’m excited to share this piece of history with others and to continue exploring their story.”
The Director, Eliza Ousey commented: “It has been an absolute pleasure to direct Not for a Cat and translate Wallace Harper’s wonderful play to the stage. Getting to the heart of his script has been incredibly rewarding for me, and I can say with confidence that his depiction of nuclear anxiety is fresh, relevant and darkly comic.”
Not for a Cat: A Play for the Nuclear Age will be performed at St. John’s College during the Cambridge Festival on 5 April. Tickets are available via the festival’s website here.
For more details about the Cambridge Festival and to register for other events, visit www.cam.ac.uk
Image: Jane Sponagle CBC
