The Playhouse Theatre Company
Michael Frayn's Copenhagen
Date 26 February - 19 March 2005 Venue Vancouver Playhouse
Reviewer Jane Penistan
Director Glynis Leyshon Set and lighting Alan Brodie Costumes Patricia Smith Sound Jeff Toyne Stage Manager Joanne P.B. Smith
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"We can't see the electrons inside the atom…. Any more than Niels can see the thoughts in your head, or you the thoughts in Niels's.... All we can see are the effect that the electrons produce" (Copenhagen, Michael Frayn) . This is one of the certainties in this wonderful play. Much of the rest of the dense and complex dialogue concerns the "uncertainty principle." A major question is why did the Nazi physicist Werner Heisenberg visit his old friend and mentor Niels Bohr in occupied Denmark in 1941? After nearly two and a half hours of engrossing scientific and ethical discussion, the answers are uncertain.
The imaginary afterlife meeting of the two famous scientists and Bohr's wife Margrethe is in an unreal, almost surreal set. Bare, dark tree trunks surround the white centre stage circle, on which are three clear glass chairs. There are times when pushing round the central revolve tends to break the spell of the enchantment engendered by the erudite conversations taking place. This physical interruption, to indicate a change of time, is not really necessary. Being symbolic of the whirling of atoms in the universe, it needs used only once. This is the only quibble I have with this brilliant production. The action is not confined to the hub of the set, the rest of the stage is used freely. The lighting is effective and subtle.
All three actors are superb. Susan Hogan as Margrette is gracious and kind, unobtrusive but attentive when the discussions are mainly scientific, forthright and clear-headed when occasion demands. A warm and compassionate woman, she has suffered enemy occupation stoically.
The father-figure, scientist Niels Bohr, is an academic. Passionate about his research and findings, always seeking more knowledge in his logical way, he is also a warm and compassionate man. Victor Ertmanis brings this solid professor to life.
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Brent Carver as Werner Heisenberg is the young and impetuous German genius who has spent his early years doing research with Bohr. His return to Copenhagen in 1941 is ostensibly to give a lecture at the German Cultural Centre, but why? The question remains unanswered to the end.
Bohr and Heisenberg discuss and argue throughout the complex, multi-faceted drama, promulgating theories and reminiscing on past pleasures and discoveries. Various theories are presented for the solution to the questions, "Why did he come?" "What did he say on that short and mysterious walk the two men took, to be able to converse unheard by Nazi microphones?" "Was it the question of whether anyone had the right to abuse atomic science to obliterate the enemy that so infuriated Bohr and ended their scientific partnership and life long friendship?" There is no resolution of the "Uncertainty Principle."
Glynis Leyshon and the cast of Copenhagen are all in perfect harmony in this fascinating production of one of the century's most important and much discussed plays. No uncertainty there.
Fortunately, the run has been extended until March 26, 2005, so anyone wishing to see this not to be missed event may still be able to get a ticket. I advise a speedy call to the box office or you may be out of luck.
© 2005 Jane Penistan