Einstein’s Dreams

An original stage adaptation based

on the novel by Alan Lightman

Directed by Patrizia Acerra and Dawn Arnold

Produced by Clock Productions in association with

The Moving Dock Theatre Co.

At the Chopin Theatre

1534 W. Division

Chicago, IL

Call 773-381-7140, tickets $20 - $22

Thursdays thru Saturdays at 8 PM

Sundays at 3 PM

Running time is 85 minutes with no intermission

Through December 18, 2005

Einstein’s Dreams a mesmerizing theatrical experience!

Clock Productions and The Moving Dock Theatre Co. have combined to mount a dazzling, smart, artistically innovative play that aptly translates the revolutionary creation of The Theory of Relativity by Albert Einstein. This is a well-crafted adaptation of the 1993 best selling novel by MIT Physics professor, Alan Lightman. The novel tells about Einstein, who was a patent clerk in Berne, Switzerland as he was developing his world-changing physics theories in 1905.

 Einstein falls asleep at his desk and we share his dreams in which he envisions thirty places where time behaves differently. These dreams serve to explain the mind-numbing theories in understandable terms that relate to the world and the effects that time has on our lives.

This brilliant production features a magnificent large set in Chopin Theatre main stage designed by David Denman featuring a large clock (that turns into projected images, graphic design by Sarah Stec that help navigate the story) centered on the second level of a cream colored wooden set with winding staircase on each side and a small tunnel centered on the main floor. We see an old typewriter atop a small desk with papers piled upon it. The stage floor has a large clock painted with Roman numerals. 

This dramatic story-theatre technique, with many exquisite movements, follows the population of Einstein’s Berne as they explore the various dimensions, types, effects and peculiarities of Einstein’s notions about time.

 Since Einstein dreamed many dreams about time over several nights, his analysis as to the nature of time became complete one night in 1905 when he realized that time isn’t absolute—that space and time do change and are warped by gravity. That time is relative to everything else and we all experience time from a personal, isolated perspective. This relativity theory challenged the notion of absolutes in physics, in science, in art and philosophy. Einstein’s theory made us rethink our understanding of time and space and thus allowing for the possibility of different dimensions of time.

The outstanding, creative and deft ensemble moved with the precision of a fine Swiss watch as they executed the theatrics and style of The Moving Dock’s Michael Chekhov. Kudos to Daniel Bakken, Daniel Behrendt, Tony Bozzuto, Christine Castro, Shannon Clausen, Pearon Hampton, Jolene Turner and Helen Young for marvelous performances. With all the complex movements creating many precision formations depicting clocks, groups eating dinner, etc. with many freeze frames and descriptive group poses, the blocking book for this show must look like a thick yellow page directory. This is surely the best rehearsed show I’ve seen this year. The combination of articulation of Litghtman’s poetic lyrical language and the non-verbal movements wonderfully describe the many facets of time. What if we had to live out entire life in one day? The connection between time and memory is presented effectively.

We see the ensemble enact time as circular, as changeable, as it slows down with an increase of height and as it is like a nightingale. The cast vividly gets us contemplating what would life be if time went backwards, moved quicker or slower and what if time went at one speed for us and another for others? The series of dream vignettes on the nature of time became human through the craftsmanship of the two inspired directors (Patrizia Acerra and Dawn Arnold) and the talented ensemble. I was vicariously engaged throughout.

Lightman and this production connected the theories of time to human existence in a whimsically playful, yet thought-provoking meditation on human existence. E =MC2 has relatively new meaning for me after seeing this master work. So for something sophisticated, exciting, intelligent and well performed---get to Chopin Theatre to see Einstein’s Dreams—that is the only absolute allowed here.

Not To Be Missed

Tom Williams

Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments

Chicago Stage Talk Radio Show

This show eligible for a C.S.T. Non-Equity Theatre Award

November 16, 2005