Sherri L. Edelen, Michael Russotto, and Tim Getman, Photo by C. Stanley Photography. Photo by C. Stanley Photography.
Theater J’s latest production is a different type of World War II drama. In “Copenhagen” the audience gets an inside look at the mysterious conversation between atomic physicists Werner Heisenberg and Neils Bohr in 1941. Heisenberg, from Germany, and Bohr, from Denmark, had been friends and colleagues for years, but things changed when Denmark was invaded. They have to face the moral role of a scientist whose work will potentially be used to kill thousands. In Michael Frayn’s play, Heisenberg, Bohr, and Bohr’s wife, Margrethe, are able to reflect on the infamous meeting and give their opinions of it throughout.
It was compelling and thought-provoking.
Eleanore Holdridge directed “Copenhagen” so that we could watch the journey that these two men went on emotionally and physically. Her compelling use of space and depth on the stage made for some incredibly poignant pictures.
Tim Getman plays the role of Heisenberg with charm and passion. The man is struggling to come to terms with his work and Getman showcases his versatility and vulnerability. Getman created a physically active character who truly seemed to zoom about the stage whether in enthusiasm or frustration.
Michael Russotto, on the other hand, portrays the older Bohr with grace and dignity. He is a strong actor who demands respect and he portrayed his character in such a way that the audience has the rare opportunity to see an emotional Bohr.
Margrethe is played by Sherri Edelen. Although significantly smaller than her costars, she controls much of the action and is a giant force on the stage. Edelen plays this strong and intuitive woman well and quite naturally. She keeps up with the physicists very well and often sees through them.
The set design, by Luciana Stecconi, was wonderfully futuristic. The all white set, with spherical lights and plastic separators on stage, made for a sterile and also surreal atmosphere. At times the characters refer to already being dead but at other times they seem to be living the moments for the first time. Is this the limbo that they are living in now?
Composer and sound designer Patrick Calhoun’s work was endearingly subtle. Heisenberg, who was also a pianist, often refers to pieces and usually they could be heard, although just barely, as if we had the opportunity to hear his own memories.
Michael Frayn’s play is brilliant yet wordy. There are a lot of references to dates and science that can become a wash for the audience. However, it does challenge the audience with what they know. Do we really know how the atomic bomb works? Do we know how we would respond if our city was going to be bombed? Would our love of country diminish even if our country was seriously in the wrong? It was compelling and thought-provoking.
This play causes the audience to wrestle with some serious topics and forces them to look inward for the answers. “Copenhagen” might be the most intellectually stimulating play so far this season.
Running Time: Two and a half hours with one intermission.
‘Copenhagen’ runs at Theater J through January 29. For more information click here.
