Photograph 51

By: Anna Ziegler

Narrated by: Anna Chlumsky, Omar Metwally, Benjamin Rosenfield, Stephen Kunken, David Corenswet, Aasif Mandvi

Length: 2 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's Summary

In 1951, chemist Rosalind Franklin (Anna Chlumsky) works relentlessly in her King’s College London lab, closing in on a major discovery that could unlock the mysteries of the DNA molecule. Undermined by her colleague Maurice Wilkins (Omar Metwally), she struggles to compete with rival team Watson and Crick (David Corenswet and Aasif Mandvi) as pressure intensifies to produce results. 

Following a critically acclaimed run in London, Anna Ziegler’s play is brought to life in a new production directed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman, honoring the monumental contribution of one scientist with two X chromosomes whom history nearly left behind.

©2020 Anna Ziegler (P)2020 AO Media LLC

Riveting

I don’t often use the word riveting but it certainly describes this production. I love that Audible is offering such great work. The actors are amazing. The writing is so good. Listening to it brought the characters to life. The actors couldn’t have been more perfect for this. Funny, informative and sad, Photograph 51 is one of the best productions Audible has produced. I hope they consider doing more like it.

worth every minute

this is simply exquisite! (and i learned now how to spell that word just for this)
poetic theater, heart meets head and there's no going back. enjoy :)

Not what I expected.

When I first realized I wanted to post a review I thought no, this is something from the 50's and all these characters are probably gone by now. Not true, this was done recently as I only learned listening to the interview. So I just want to let the writer and characters in on how so real in my mind it was. How did you make it feel as if I was back in time? I will be glad if everyone gets my bravo for entertaining me through several lunch breaks. If people would just listen to the small voices in their heads. Sadness, regrets, lost love. I will have to listen again soon. Loved it. Thank you.

Time well spent

This is a fascinating story and gave proper credit to Rosalind Franklin’s incredible contributions to the understanding of DNA. The writing, production and actors were excellent.

Unveiling the Helix - In Collaboration and Isolation

Beautifully written about classical themes - left me in tears and thoughtful. Not offensive in its portrayal of the human challenges in those who triumphed in science through intentioned and accidental efforts. Unveiling the very human
story behind the discovery of the shapes of DNA with all its social and personal nuances.

Another Brilliant Woman Neglected by History

This lyrical play hit me hard! I first studied DNA in the 70's, at the same time that the boys kept locking me out of the computer lab and boys would not be seen socially with the future female valedictorian. In many ways, despite the progress women have fought so hard for, the essential inequalities remain: we still are judged by our looks over our brains, men still take credit for our work, and our apparent "value" diminishes the older we get. This beautiful drama made me rage and made me cry. Why wasn't Dr. Rosalind Franklin also awarded the Nobel prize? Just a week ago, a beautiful talented woman jumped 29 floors to her death because she felt that her life was over after 30. What kind of culture continues to allow these crimes of bullying, shunning, and despair? I think everyone will find new discoveries and questions as they listen to this extraordinary play.

A treat and an education.

What a pleasure to hear this well done play as
an audiobook. It is beautifully done and contains excellent character studies with development. I highly recommend this bonus treat!

Loved the story; loved the style

I didn't know anything about Rosalind Franklin and now I can't get enough of learning about her.

It made me cry

OMG
I did not expect the end. I won’t say more.
Enjoy & be patient.
Excellent

Unexpected and wonderful

So well done; an important story with outstanding acting. A peek at an area of science that is within many of our lifetimes. And such humanity….

"We're here to start again."

"We're here to start again."
This is an Audible Original recording of the two hour play performed at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, with various actors including Anna Chiumsky as Rosalind Franklin.
Franklin died, aged only 37, from ovarian cancer. Her brilliantly innovative photography was central to the modelling of the double helix, deciphering the structure of DNA, in the mid twentieth century. Yet she received no recognition for this when the Nobel prize were handed out - she was, after all, just a woman.

I confess I knew nothing about Franklin before this play - a huge indictment in itself - so I cannot tell if the events portrayed are accurate. She seemed to be a character consumed, uneasy with others, a difficult woman to like but who, through her dedication to her work, enabled colleagues to discover the secret of life. The actors were good, voices distinctive. I feel now that I would like to learn more about Rosalind Franklin.

Available to download for free on the Audible Plus programme.