Einstein's Gift: Difference between revisions
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* http://www.jewish-theatre.com/visitor/article_display.aspx?articleID=1584 |
* http://www.jewish-theatre.com/visitor/article_display.aspx?articleID=1584 |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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Revision as of 14:48, 13 September 2011
| Einstein's Gift | |
|---|---|
 2nd edition cover (Playwrights Canada Press) | |
| Written by | Vern Thiessen |
| Characters | Albert Einstein Dr. Fritz Haber |
| Date premiered | 2003 |
| Place premiered | Citadel Theatre Edmonton, Alberta |
| Original language | English |
| Setting | Germany; 1902-1945 |
Einstein's Gift is a 2003 play about the life and career of Dr. Fritz Haber.[1] It was written by Canadian playwright Vern Thiessen.
Topic
Einstein's Gift explores the interaction between Haber and Albert Einstein, his colleague at the time, and other lesser-known scientists. It addresses connections between pure and applied science, and faith and nationalism, imagination and knowledge.[1] Fritz Haber was a Nobel Laureate and German chemist. He converted to Christianity to help further his career.[1][2] He was the co-inventor of the Haber-Bosch process. The process, used to make nitric acid, revolutionized the production of agricultural fertilizer. This invention helped to prevent the starvation of millions of people. However, he was also involved in the use of chlorine gas by the German military. This gas was used in as a weapon in Ypres during World War I. Haber also developed Zyklon B.
The first act works to develop the meaningful yet complicated relationship between the characters' Einstein and Haber, drawing upon the dynamic differences between both their scientific and moral principles. Morals that are discussed between (Albert) Einstein and Haber during this act include nationality, religion/faith, and what it means to change these factors in one's life; for example, Haber does not fully embrace Christianity, but is baptized so that he can increase his chances of gaining professorship. Very early on, it is established that Einstein and Haber are each other's foil, both with a very different outlook on life and the future of science. While Einstein does not care much for his nationality and cultural identity, Haber, strongly nationalistic, feels obliged to serve his country. The two also find themselves at odds with each other through their contrasting perspective on the sciences – Haber scoffs at the impracticality of physics, while Einstein views chemistry as unimaginative. Their differing views regarding science's involvement in war create tension between the pacifist Albert Einstein and the war involved Haber. Haber argued that, if he were to assist the military in the production and utilization of lethal chlorine gas, the war would come to an end sooner due to the gas's effectiveness in trench warfare. Einstein, however, reasoned that science should, under no circumstances, be used for such purposes. Haber's views also differ with his assistant, Otto, who is an idealistic, young man who truly believes that science will yield a better future, and desires no power or recognition for his efforts; Haber, on the other hand, issues a command, by order of General Deimling of the German Army, to release chlorine gas, causing the death of several enemy soldiers, fearing he would be stripped of his precious titles and posting if he did not comply.
The play moves back and forth between 1905 and 1945,[2] and takes place on a set consisting of a number of platforms with various mathematical equations covering them, and a spiral stairway.[3]
Cast
The characters have been played by various actors in different productions:
- Einstein: Shawn Elliott
- Haber: Ron Halder; Aasif Mandvi
- Clara: Kathleen Duborg; Melissa Friedman
- Lotta (Haber's second wife): Sarah Donald
- Otto (Haber's assistant): Daniel Arnold
Crew
The crew positions have been occupied by different people in different productions:[4][3]
- Writer: Vern Thiessen
- Director: Donna Spencer; Ron Russell
- Choreographer: Michel Guimond
- Fight choreographer: Nicholas Harrison
- Costume design: Rebekka Sorensen
- Set design: Phillip Tidd
- Music and sound design: Ted Hamilton
- Lighting: James Proudfoot
- Stage Manager: Angela Beaulieu
Production
The play has been performed at:[5]
- 2003 Citadel Theatre, Edmonton
- 2003 Theatre & Company, Kitchener, Ontario
- 2005 Acorn Theatre, Epic Theatre Centre, New York[6]
- 2005 The Gateway Theatre and Firehall Theatre, British Columbia
- Winnipeg Jewish Theatre
- Magnus Theatre
- The Grand Theatre
Awards
- 2003 Alberta Book Award: nominated[7]
- 2003 Governor General's Literary Award: won (drama)[1]
- 2003 Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award: 5 nominations[1]
- 1999 Canadian Jewish Playwriting Competition: won[1]
Criticisms
The play has seen some success, and, therefore, knows some criticism: the New York Times Theatre Review states that "Science may need less sugar that Mr. Thiessen and the Epic Theatre company suppose"; whereas, PH.D Theatre critic Irene Backalenick says for www.jewish-theatre.com "Einstein's Gift is a gift to us all."
References
- http://theater.nytimes.com/2005/10/08/theater/reviews/08eins.html
- http://www.jewish-theatre.com/visitor/article_display.aspx?articleID=1584
- ^ a b c d e f "Einstein's Gift". Playwrightscanada.com. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
- ^ a b "All About Jewish Theatre - Einstein's Gift is a Gift to Us All". Jewish-theatre.com. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
- ^ a b Thomas, Colin (2005-01-20). "Einstein's Gift | Vancouver, Canada". Straight.com. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
- ^ "Einstein's Gift: reviewvancouver: Penistan". reviewvancouver. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
- ^ http://www.vernthiessen.com/#!__plays-menu/einstein
- ^ Stevens, Andrea (2005-10-08). "Einstein's Gift - Review - Theater - New York Times". Theater.nytimes.com. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
- ^ http://www.vernthiessen.com/#!__plays-menu/einstein