Heisenberg is a romantic comedy named after physicist Werner Heisenberg who pioneered
the “Uncertainty Principle”- a particle’s position and momentum can not be measured at the same time.
The play applies this scientific unpredictability to the development of a
relationship between a spirited 40 something year old American woman, Georgie
Burns, and a 75 year old Irishman, Alex Priest. Heisenberg, by Simon Stephens, reminds us that
although relationships may be unpredictable, human needs are the same at any
age.
Maslow's Human Hierarchy Needs |
Reflection
I was
amazed how two people could convey so much human emotion in six scenes with a seemly simple set of
benches! The simplicity of the set drew me closer to the characters since there was
not much else to look at but, I must admit, there was not much more that you
needed to look at. Their expressions revealed a gamut of human emotions or momentum (if you want to
stay with the idea of scientific principles).
Georgie Burns (Robin Abramson) was a high energy
spunky and at times “motor mouthed” woman, who persisted in her mission to pursue Alex Priest (Anthony Heald).
I think even Georgie was surprised with the unexpected results of her quest. I
loved when she asked Alex, “Do you find me exhausting but captivating?”. Since I have a similar octane motor quality at times, I wonder if I have
that same effect on men.
Georgie was persistent in her attempt to coax a personal revelation from a shy Alex. She threw him a
random left field complement in each scene like, “I am drawn to your shyness” or “I like your
eyes”. It was as if she had a rope around Alex and she kept pulling it until she pulled
something out of him. Eventually she might have pulled too hard.
Alex (Anthony
Heald) often said very little. He wore his thoughts on his face
and in his eyes. I saw a man who was amazed that this young woman would have that much interest in him not only
on a physical level, but on an intimate
level. The play’s movement made me think how important it is just to have
someone “listen to us or who takes the time to ask about us”. Although we might think that we are all so complex our needs on a molecular level can be quite simple.
Abramson
and Heald portrayed characters in an
“unpredictable or different” type of relationship but one with a “ predictable
and similar” nuclei of human nature- the
need to feel safe, loved, and to belong. Way to go PPT!
(Heisenberg is a Pittsburgh Public production at the O'Reilly Theater and runs until April 8, 2018. For tickets go to
Spiritual Refection
God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
Other Sources
Pittsburgh Public Theater https://ppt.org/production/51429/heisenberg.
God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
Other Sources
Pittsburgh Public Theater https://ppt.org/production/51429/heisenberg.