Pi Is 0140673615612685

Perspectives
Theatre
Somewhere in the universe
Is it possible for a play about string idea of freedom of choice reshue all cancer. The awareness of this harrowing
theory, quantum physics, and the cards. outcome puts every other scene in
freedom of choice to be enchanting, Thanks to Michael Longhursts sharp perspective and adds a layer of
innovative, funny, and moving? precise direction and the ability of the poignancy to the couples exchanges.
It may seem unlikely, but if the actors to shift tone and emotion in Constellations has been compared to
play in question is the Royal Court each replay, each universe is distinct both Tom Stoppards Arcadia, for its
Theatre production of Nick Paynes from the others even when the use of a scientic theory as a narrative
Constellations the answer is yes. Both dialogue is the same. There are many framework (the theory of chaos
Helen Maybanks
theme and structure of the play funny moments, especially when for Stoppard), and Caryl Churchills
stem from the possible existence the couple meet again accidentally Blue Heart, for its use of repetition
of a multiversethat infinite at a ballroom dancing class or when of the same scene with different
versions of us exist in a series of Roland tries to propose with dierent outcomes. But Payne manages to Constellations
parallel universes. This idea is based takes on the same rambling speech achieve a unique balance between The Royal Court Theatre
Production written by Nick Payne,
on the fact that in physics certain that seeks to draw parallels between a complex scientific idea and deep directed by Michael Longhurst.
observations cannot be predicted humanity. This is particularly evident Trafalgar Studios 1, London, UK,
and for them to be possible an Is it possible for a play about in the final conversation between until Aug 1, 2015
http://www.royalcourttheatre.
unimaginably vast ensemble of string theory, quantum physics, Marianne and Roland before she com/whats-on/constellations
parallel universes where they might and freedom of choice to be enters a clinic where she has decided
occur must exist. In Constellations, enchanting, innovative, funny, to take her own life because she is not
the representation of a multiverse is and moving? responding to chemotherapy. Despite
eectively achieved by using a simple the raw reality of this moment, we are
set with a dark oor with honeycomb- the life of the honey bee and the left with the paradoxically comforting
shaped tiles beneath a rmament of meaning of our existence. At the reection that whatever sadness and
white balloons, and subtle changes same time, the dierent scenarios are pain the characters are experiencing,
of lighting. repeatedly fragmented by extracts in other universes they might still be
The play starts as a classic rom-com from a later momentor I should say happy, healthy, and in the company of
with the first encounter between a parallel moment in keeping with the those whom they have lost along the
quantum physics researcher Marianne concept that time and space are not way. Multiversally sublime.
(played with a mix of brittleness and linearwhen Marianne confronts her
mercurial energy by Louise Brealey), progressive loss of capacity to speak Marco De Ambrogi
and down-to-earth beekeeper Roland and read because of advanced brain [email protected]
(an endearing Joe Armstrong). Yet
when their rst awkward meeting at
a friends barbecue does not go well,
the story moves to parallel universes
where the characters meet again for
the first timealways with subtle
changes of tone, words, or attitude
that allows a variety of possible
outcomes to emerge.
We then see Marianne and Roland
at pivotal moments of their potential
relationship when they might get
together or go their separate ways,
break up, meet again, get married,
or already be in other relationships.
These strands of innite possibilities
Helen Maybanks
converge into a dramatic and

heartbreaking ending in which the
devastating eects of cancer and the
www.thelancet.com Vol 386 July 18, 2015 237

Pi Is 0140673615612685

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Perspectives

converge into a dramatic and

www.thelancet.com Vol 386 July 18, 2015 237

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