By: Ryan Duey
Photos Courtesy of Heather Massie
Multi-award-winning actress and writer Heather Massie will perform her inspiring solo act titled “HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr” this Friday, February 27th, at McCain Auditorium in Manhattan at 7:30 p.m.
Hailing from New York City, Massie has toured the world, winning 31 awards around the globe, including ‘Fulbright Specialist’ in South Africa and Australia, Best Actress at the Galway Fringe Festival in Ireland, US Embassy Grants in Sweden, Iceland, and Zimbabwe, plus many more.
Massie has performed ‘HEDY’ in 26 different countries, portraying 36 characters, blending art and science, honoring Lamarr’s contributions to science and technology.
“Hedy Lamarr was a Hollywood film star and an inventor. She was known as the most beautiful woman in the world in Hollywood films in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.”
“The very intriguing part about Hedy Lamarr is that she was an inventor in her spare time.”
“Her main invention was created during World War II to improve torpedo guidance. That technology is now used in our cell phones, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth.”
Massie spoke about what the audience can expect on Friday.
“The audience will spend a lovely evening with Miss Hedy Lamarr herself and 35 other characters because Hedy is very excited to meet the audience.”
“After all, the audience has summoned Hedy to explain just how someone so very unexpected was able to create technology that we use every day.”
Massie uses her astrophysics and theater background to inspire young women looking to pursue a life in science and technology. Her performance is a culmination of her weeklong residency in Manhattan.
“Part of my time here in Kansas is an Artist Residency. I’m here all week, and I’m visiting a lot of different organizations.”
“I’ve gone out to the Salina Aerospace Campus, Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community, Junction City High School, and a lot of classes here at K-State.”
“I really love to engage with the community and do outreach events, and we’re really focusing on that for my time here with K-State and McCain Auditorium.”
Tickets are currently available online at mccain.k-state.edu or at the ticket office in the McCain lobby.
Enjoy an inspiring story of a Lamarr’s incredible life as an actress and inventor.
