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 :)

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.

Utterly Unpleasant Female Lead

I did not realize that this was the audio version of a play. I thought it was an audio drama. It concerns the work of a forgotten female chemist Rosalind Franklin and her photographic work on the search for DNA. The cast was wonderful, but I had a difficult time with this work. She comes off as such a bitch, it's hard to feel any sympathy for her. Despite the usual things a woman had to deal with in the earlier eras, her attitude and personality ensured she would have few friends or achieve heights in her work for what she refused to do. Her character flaws made a great many people dislike her. I felt bad for her partner, who went out of his way to be accommodating and she was just a bitch. Her snobbery and utter disdain for others stood out most and she had few redeeming qualities. Glad it was free, a one time listen. A section follows with an interview with the play's creators.

A Vehicle For Nicole Kidman

I lamented missing this at The Noel Coward Theatre in London’s West End- It was supposed to come to Broadway-When Nicole dropped out, I would assume it was not financially advisable to mount this in New York- I really appreciate that Audible allowed this to recorded

Well done

I enjoyed the voice actors very much, except for the one so-called American who kept exaggerating his Rrrrrs. That got to be annoying. Bu the story itself was good, and a huge step up for women in science, as it is a true story. Thank you to those of you who put this all together!

Brilliant in so many ways

Everything is great about this, from the real life subject on which it was based to the quality of the performance and everything in between and everyone involved.

It made me cry

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

A bitter sweet true story told warmly and well.

Loved it. A great record of what (might have) happened in this real life race to discover the secret of life. An interesting exploration of all the people involved and a clever way of presenting their individual viewpoints of what really happened. Great acting too.

Big Screen!

Fantastic story, would translate perfectly on the big screen or a Netflix series. Great cast of characters. Well balanced, interesting, educational, intriguing. I want more! Loved it!