Aria Alpert

James Brown once memorialized his perspective of the relationship between men and women in what is considered one of the greatest songs of all time: “This is a man’s world. But it would be nothing, nothing without a woman or girl.”

He probably did not have Rosalind Franklin in mind when he performed “It’s a Man’s Man’s World,” but his passionately delivered interpretation of the secret of life could not have rung truer than in the tale of one woman and her quest to solve one of the greatest mysteries in human biology. It is Brown’s words that come to mind to each audience member attending the current production of Photograph 51.

While Brown essentially trapped himself in a study to explain how women were essential in a man’s world, Franklin virtually locked herself in a university laboratory to discover the secret of life by illuminating the double helix structure of human DNA. A biophysicist by profession, Franklin was as deliberate in her work as Brown was in his vocals, only to have her contributions overlooked when three other men claimed the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Those men -– geneticist James Watson and biophysicists Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins –- took credit for uncovering the double helix structure, even though their work was based upon the significant contributions of Franklin.

Her story, her will, her determination and her work ethic are currently on display on stage at the Fountain Theater, as several stage actors bring Franklin’s journey to life in Photograph 51, a human drama delving into the dirty secret behind one of the greatest discoveries ever made in biology.

Set in a research lab and in several locales throughout London and Europe between 1951 and 1958, Photograph 51 introduces us to Franklin at the peak of her career as a scientist. A skilled medical photographer and British biophysicist, Franklin arrives at London’s King’s College after a stint at a Parisian research laboratory. She was invited by her new lab partner -– Watson -– to study the structure of biological structures.

Graham Norris and Aria Alpert

A tense relationship ensued between the two, with Franklin adamantly focusing on her research despite innocent advances by Watson. A rift develops between the two, forcing an uneasy partnership over the course of their joint research project.

Coincidentally, Wilkins and Crick are attempting to build a model of DNA at Cambridge University. As the two men hit road block after road block, Franklin and a graduate research assistant stumble upon the 51st photograph she took of a test sample. The photograph proved to be the breakthrough she needed to advance her work. While Franklin was aware she came across a breakthrough, she was uncertain of its true meaning.

Watson himself studied the photograph after returning from a lecture. One thing led to another…the photograph –- Franklin’s photograph -– turns out to be the basis for the DNA model built by Crick and Wilkins.

All the while, Franklin had no idea her work was essential to this amazing discovery. She eventually suffered a premature death prior to the Nobel Prize being awarded to the trio of men, without mention of Franklin’s contributions.

The discovery of DNA and the secret of life were truly made in a man’s world, but it was nothing without a woman. (To Franklin’s credit, her biographer stated the biophysicist did publish several papers during the peak of her career and was a reputable scientist. She also focused more upon the study of viruses, and her work on DNA was just a small portion of an otherwise storied and successful career).

Graham Norris and Aria Alpert. All photographs by Ed Krieger

Aria Alpert is quite convincing as Rosalind Franklin. A confident and comfortable actress, Alpert brings to life Franklin’s work-ethic, determination and focus. The audience also sees a bit of her personal life through a series of interjected scenes of her vacations and lifestyle outside the lab.

Joining Alpert on stage is Daniel Billet, who plays Watson, a reluctant partner with Franklin who is never quite certain how to act in front of her and attempts to appreciate her work before ultimately overlooking her when success finds him in the form of a Nobel Prize. Billet is up to the task of playing a character that often appears conflicted and unsure of how to deal with his emotions, yet someone who also has the brains and scientific know-how to keep up with Franklin.

Watson is played by Ian Gould, whose bushy hair makes him look like a mad scientist –- a perfect hairdo for the perfect supporting role. His partner, Crick, is played by Kerby Joe Grubb, while Graham Norris (Gosling) and Ross Hellwig (Caspar) round out the cast in colorful roles.

Playing at Hollywood’s Fountain Theater, Photograph 51 is written by Anna Ziegler and directed by Simon Levy. Winner of the 2008 STAGE International Script Competition, the play runs through May 3rd, with evening shows on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There is also a Sunday matinee. For show times and ticket prices, visit the theater website or call the box office at (323) 663-1525.