American Voices-Karen Zacarías: I stumbled upon the life and scientific achievements of Emilie du Châtelet while researching my children’s play about Einstein. I was pregnant at the time, and instantly found myself deeply moved by her struggle to balance motherhood with her scientific curiosity. I am fascinated by the tension between interpersonal relationships and personal ambition, between our bodies and our minds, practicality and romance, between humor and drama. I know that our bodies carry clues about ancestors…and that life choices aren’t all coincidence.

Karen Zacarías is the founding Artistic Director of Young Playwrights’ Theater. A local D.C. playwright, Karen has had three world premieres in 2008: The Book Club Play (Round House Theatre), Chasing George Washington (The Kennedy Center), and Looking for Roberto Clemente (Imagination Stage).