"Einstein's Gift" is an infinitely interesting play. Its examination of the interconnectedness of science, religion, nationalism, and morality proves not only thought-provoking but also especially timely amid today's debates over the use of new discoveries in genetics and between the science of evolution and notions of "intelligent design."
Written by Canadian playwright Vern Thiessen, the drama explores the 20th century's world-changing scientific breakthroughs in physics and chemistry within the narrative context of imagined encounters between great German scientists, military leaders, and politicians. We are forced to consider the relationships between scientific imagination and practical applications, nationalist loyalty and religious identity, and gender roles and rationality. Peopled with real-life historical figures such as Albert Einstein and Fritz Haber (whose work led to the development of chemical warfare during World War I), the play provides an eon's worth of fodder for contemplation, particularly for those intrigued by dilemmas pitting intellectual curiosity against conscience.
As a theatrical production, however, "Einstein's Gift" moves too slowly. Director Ron Russell has the actors take pointlessly long pauses within and between some of the script's most mundane lines of dialogue. The overall performance feels underenergized, except in the "fight scenes" (directed by Rick Sordelet), in which sportive swordplay with blackboard pointers punctuates arguments between the scientists. A very short yet dramatic "dream ballet" (with dancing coached by Philip Alexander) briefly sparks the show's second act, which opens with a vibrant performance by Nilaja Sun of a 1930s-style politically satiric cabaret song.
While Shawn Elliott's warm portrayal of Einstein turns the famous genius into an endearing presence, the nontraditional casting of Aasif Mandvi as Haber, a German Jew, brings ethnic confusion to the proceedings. In supporting roles, James Wallert, Melissa Friedman, and Glenn Fleshler are impressive, but Godfrey L. Simmons Jr. exhibits distracting pronunciation problems.