Day 271- Heisenberg-Pittsburgh Public Theater-Unpredictable Romance/Predictable Needs -O’Reilly Theater

  

 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

This play brought to mind my blog inspiration psychologist Abraham Maslow's theory which characterizes  human  needs by using a Hierarchy of Needs  pyramid.  The needs for safety, and love, and belonging, are in the middle of  his hierarchy pyramid with self-actualization, or reaching one’s individual potential, at the top. This play, often with humor and with consistent masterful acting, displayed how a seemingly mismatched couple could come together and fulfill  Maslow’s human needs theory for safety, love, and belonging. It was a wonderfully unique display of mature and fun romance.

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  ppt.org)

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.

Maslow  Needs https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760

Masolw Simple Psychology https://simplypsychology.org/maslow.html