Book Review: einstein's gift

by Vern Thiessen
108 pages, 1 edition (July 2003)
Playwrights Canada Press

2003 Governor General's Award winner in the playwrighting category. Question: Why is this book Canadian? It does not take place in Canada, and none of the characters are Canadian. Of course Einstein is a pretty transnational figure, and the Holocaust has quite become a Canadian concern.

Someone, please explain to me the citizenship process for the Holocaust, because i know a number of historical atrocities that are applying for Canadian citizenship. Warning: if Canadian cultural immigration officers continue rejecting their application, they might no longer be interested in Canada. Would a similar text set in any other country be equally recognized and embraced? Please rmbr that the historical figures of Thiessen's play do not speak English, nor French.

Perhaps the sentiment is Canadian, the dilemma is Canadian? Yes, I believe so. As a country that sees itself, perhaps, only recently beginning to emerge from a marginalized status, politically and culturally,* we make our home-space between "us" and "them". How much of "us" do we need to compromise for "them"? Can we serve both masters? We are caught in between two cruel lovers, neither of which treats us as the beloved. But I still want to believe that you exist and that you love me--i want to please you, and i want to hear you laugh at my jokes. I want you to say to me, "well done, my good and faithful servant." It is a "tragedy of unrequited love," certainly (epigram).

Would I recommend the reading of this play? Well, I have to say that it is not the most innovative play i've read. It questions the moral and ethical consequences of scientific work--how common is that? it looks at the humanity of a scientist, Dr. Haber, and how his passion--mixed with naivete, good intention, and self-interest--causes so many so much pain, including himself. I can't even say that theatrically i imagine for it to be that different or exciting on stage. Certainly, it was well-written with a number of poetic lines, and there are heart-wrenching moments. But the idea isn't avant-garde and the feelings and images are common.

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*ref. Atwood, Survival, 1972. Much work has been achieved since, but 1972 is really not that long ago. Survival is republished 2004. Clearly, much of the issues identified over 30 years ago still effect new works published today.