“And yet, it moves.” Beginning with Galileo Galilei’s narration set in the 16th century, Sidereus shows how the moment of doubt changes into certainty through a paradigm shift in astronomy. By inviting sober discussions and mesmerizing stage effects that entertain the audience, the musical Sidereus introduces the story of two pioneers who fought bravely to reveal the truth of astronomy by risking their lives: Galileo Galilei and Johannes Kepler. Recreating the struggles of Galileo and Kepler, the musical Sidereus shows the audience how to fight virtuously for what one thinks is right.

The title of the musical Sidereus originates from a book written by Galileo, Sidereus and Nincius, meaning starry messengers in English. Accordingly, the play presents characters surrounding Galileo and introduces their astronomical findings. Despite social pressures clashing against them, Maria Celeste and Kepler become ardent supporters of Galileo. Similar to the story of the musical, the book—the first printed scientific work based on observations by a telescope—includes an astronomical treatise published on March 13, 1610. With the invention of telescope, hundreds of stars, the Moon, and the Milky Way are all described through the first glance of the Universe. Based on historical facts of the 16th century, the story of striving to find the truth of the Universe awaits to unfold.

The Universe, Two Men, and One Woman

The relationship between the Universe and the Catholic Church sparks conflict between Galileo and society. During that period, geocentric theory was adopted in Europe as common law, strongly supported by the Church. Moreover, the political power intertwined with the Vatican led the Church to execute its authority freely—Galileo was no exception. Anyone who rejected the Bible and the Catholic community was shunned as a heretic. Accordingly, astronomical questions aroused by Galileo and Kepler were nuisances to them, challenging the existence of their God.

Galileo and Kepler were not only fighters in the battle against religious freedom but were also contemporary scientists. The musical highlights this aspect by shedding light on the findings and inventions of Galileo and Kepler’s enthusiasm, constantly sending letters to each other. Just like what happened in history, Kepler’s letter initiates their passionate studies, sending a copy of his book Mysterium Cosmographicum to Galileo in 1597. Letters on August 19, 1610, show how seriously they studied astronomy, though they hardly met each other in person, written in New Science, New World. “Verily, just as serpents close their ears, so do these men close their eyes to the light of truth.” Those two only had each other to trust fully and believe.

Sidereus sheds light on one more character who is less credited in astronomical history: Maria Celeste. Choosing her religious name Celeste in honor of her father’s love of astronomy, the relationship between Galileo and Maria represents the unconditional love of family, even leading Maria to support her father despite her being a nun. Presenting heartwarming scenes, Maria also conveys cold interpretations of the heliocentric theory. As Maria shortly doubts Sidereus Nuncius and the heliocentric theory after becoming a nun, the audience becomes informed of the rumors and mischiefs surrounding Galileo through Maria’s character. However hard Galileo tried to persuade Maria to look into the truth through his lens, Maria regarded the telescope as a mischievous toy that conveys lies.

Enthralling Sights of Sidereus

Sidereus does not only copy the recorded history of Galileo—it enthralls the readers with eye-catching sights from the stage. Stage designs overcome the weaknesses of a small theater: the stage includes an oval-shaped floor and a higher circle-shaped flooring in the middle. This design invites the audience to join the secret discussions on the Universe. Standing above the Earth and the oval-shaped rotation cycle, the audience overlooks the heavenly view from their seats. As the characters rotate the edge of the circle, the audience participates as a secret agent, eavesdropping on their impious ideas.

The lighting of the theater is also used to focus on the discussions or provoke reactions from the audience. The sober concerns on stage and the emotional response the audience feels are deepened by the projection of blue and black lighting, making the stage look like part of the immense Universe. Shortly after the scientists step closer to look at the sky with the telescope, the lighting changes to present the Universe to the audience. As the lighting shifts, the projection of the Milky Way and hundred stars illuminates the entire wall and the audience; the audience is washed and contained by the stars. Thus, the audience becomes overwhelmed with the hidden mysteries of astronomy and empathizes with their story. With the majestic view, the audience emotionally supports Galileo’s heliocentric theory.

“We pronounce, judge, and declare that you have rendered yourself vehemently suspected of having believed and held the doctrine which is false on the contrary to the Holy Scriptures,” stated the Church on June 22, 1633. While taking a journey to find the new paradigms of the Universe, the characters in Sidereus have set the cornerstone to set the course for the right direction of astronomy. By introducing turmoil in astronomy with eye-catching stage designs and lighting, the musical motivates the audience to join pioneering with a flame of passion. In need of a bit of courage to start biting the bullet, visit Sidereus for a sense of inspiration.

Performance Information

Title: Sidereus

Venue: Plustheater

Date: July 26, 2022 to October 16, 2022

Running Time: 100 minutes

Ticket Price: R seat 66,000/S seat 44,000