26th Play - Heisenberg by Simon Stephens
Denis Arndt and Mary-Louise Parker in the Manhattan Theater Club production on Broadway. Credit: Richard Termine for The New York Times.
This was a Mystery play (to me) that I found in my library, and all I could think of from the title was Breaking Bad. It was definitely not that, but a really interesting two-hander instead.
Summary: “Amidst the bustle of a crowded London train station, Georgie spots Alex, a much older man, and plants a kiss on his neck. This electric encounter thrusts these two strangers into a fascinating and life-changing game. Simon Stephens’ sharply original HEISENBERG brings to blazing, theatrical life the uncertain and often comical sparring match that is human connection.” From Dramatists’ Play Service.
Laura’s thoughts in brief: So, the Breaking Bad reference was’t completely off. Although it’s not spoken of in the play, the Heisenberg principle of uncertainty is, per wikipedia: “a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics. It states that there is a limit to the precision with which certain pairs of physical properties, such as position and momentum, can be simultaneously known. In other words, the more accurately one property is measured, the less accurately the other property can be known.” Science! To be honest, science was my worst subject, but I am drawn to it in theatre (Lauren Gunderson writes AWESOME plays about women in science, who we should know but don’t because, well, dudes kept them down, not only in life but in history: Emilie, Silent Sky, Ada & the Engine and more.) But I did have to look this one up, and wondered how many audience members just let the title pass by or were annoyed not understanding the reference. Anyway, the play! Lots of mixed reviews, but I found it kind of charming. I did agree with the reviewer who said that a 40ish year old woman coming on to and chasing after a 75 year old man was a bit of male playwright wish fulfillment. What would this play be like with the genders switched? Hmmm… However, we realize that Georgie (the younger female) has a bit of an agenda, which is what Alex (the older male) suspects. Agenda, yes, but, it (and she) is not that straightforward. The truth seems to be that she’s sad and lonely. The fact that Alex can satisfy her in more ways than financially is a surprise, and I see why reviewers have questioned its believability. However, I think Georgie is surprised as well, and Alex provides something unexpected to her. Some of that is a bit spoiler-y, sorry. The thing I do appreciate about the play is Georgie’s character, aging and starting to question her life, and wondering where she is and wondering where she wants to be. I think this would be more effective if she were older, in her 50’s, so the issue of her still being attractive would be more potent for the character. (Of course she could be attractive in her 50’s, but women start to question this about themselves around that time in their lives, maybe sooner, sigh.) But maybe I’m just projecting … Overall, I thought the play was interesting, but not life-changing. I think it would be a fun adventure to act in or direct. However, it was done recently in 2023 in Chicago by Griffin Theatre, with actors who were apparently good, but both notably (per the reviews) too young for their parts. Interesting and I’m sorry I missed it (sound familiar?). I will, however, definitely be pulling monologues from this play!!!
READ MORE! Here’s what others had to say about productions:
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jun/04/heisenberg-review-sweet-drama-mary-louise-parker