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 Erikson
Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast recording, starring:

Jessica Dickey as Writer
Ginnifer Goodwin as Daughter
Gregory Harrison as Galileo
Moira Quirk as Audio Tour Voice, Front Desk Lady, Librarian, and others
Nick Toren as Friar Martine, Charles Ellis, Scientist, and others

Adapted for audio by Mark Holden
Recording Engineer and Editor: Neil Wogensen for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood
Mixing Engineer: Charles Carroll
Sound Design: Melissa Rimza, with assistance from Mark Holden
Foley Artist: Jeff Gardner
Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin

Originally commissioned and developed by The Ensemble Studio Theatre / Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science & Technology Project

GALILEO'S DAUGHTER premiered at Remy Bumppo Theatre Company
Developed and directed by Marti Lyons, Artistic Director, Margaret McCloskey, Executive Director