A new theatrical production celebrating the real-life story of a pioneering 1960s radio broadcaster will premiere in Oxford and Chipping Norton later this year.
The performance dramatises the experiences of Genie Chance, a part-time radio journalist who became an essential communication lifeline for her community during the catastrophic 1964 Alaskan earthquake, the most powerful seismic event ever recorded in the United States.
Ellie Jay Cooper, the writer and leading actress, stated that the seismic disaster and Genie Chance’s composed and professional on-air response have faded from public memory.
Cooper said that in an era when technology frequently appears to deepen social isolation and conflict, this particular narrative carries significance as evidence that technological tools can foster unity and combat loneliness.
The production spans 65 minutes and carries a recommended minimum audience age of 12 years.
The narrative unfolds in Anchorage, Alaska, charting how Genie Chance risked her own safety to maintain communication and social cohesion within her neighbourhood throughout the crisis.
The cast comprises two artists, Ms Cooper and Robert Merriam, who collectively portray almost 30 distinct characters, delivering a depiction of a community confronting severe pressure.
Authentic period props and costumes recreate the 1960s setting, while Nathan May’s soundscape incorporates audio recordings from radios of that decade.
Caleb Barron, the director, described Genie Chance’s account as a tale of optimism, bravery and resilience amidst hardship.
He said the work also illuminates the wider community response that coalesced around her efforts, enabling the preservation of numerous lives during the emergency.
Barron said he hoped audience members would leave the theatre with renewed appreciation for communal solidarity.
Down to Chance previously completed a season at the Pleasance Theatre in London and performed at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival.
The production is supported by House Southeast Theatre Network, an organisation dedicated to presenting professional theatrical work at venues throughout the South East and East of England.
The Theatre in Chipping Norton will present the play on October 14 at 7.30pm, followed by a performance at The Old Fire Station on October 15 at 8pm.
The work received development assistance from Theatre Royal Plymouth and The Pleasance through the Edinburgh National Partnerships Programme.