About the Play:

Winner of the 2003 Governor General's Literary Award for Drama (Canadian equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize)

Einstein's Gift is a full-length drama by Vern Thiessen. A scientist who enhances life with his work and knowledge but discovers too late that knowledge in the wrong hands brings death. The ideal of science "to serve humanity" is shown in sharp contrast against the reality of political will, nationalism and war. Chance, pride, ego and passion collide in this piece based on the life and work of Nobel Laureate Dr. Fritz Haber, who risked everything for a country that never accepted him, but used his work to murder millions.

Einstein's Gift explores the lives of scientists Fritz Haber and Albert Einstein. Based on a true story, German scientist Fritz Haber is renouncing his Jewish faith, fearing persecution from an increasingly oppressive and militaristic government. In this award winning play, Haber's friend, Albert Einstein, fears Haber's work has taken a dangerous turn. While Einstein, a pacifist, sees science as a discipline which transcends national boundaries as a force for good, Haber's work has become a deadly tool of the state. Einstein makes a desperate and emotional appeal that will resonate for generations and define the course of history. With daunting forces arrayed against him, Einstein is prepared to risk everything; his life, his work and his reputation against a building storm threatening to engulf the world in war. Einstein's Gift begs the question, if you could return to a time and change everything, what would it be?

Einstein's Gift premiered in 2003 at Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, Alberta, gathering up critical acclaim and a Governor General's Award for Drama. The play has been performed widely across Canada and beyond. Its American debut was in 2005 at the Off Broadway Acorn Theater in Manhattan.

Cast: 2 female, 5 male

What people say:

"One of the most powerful plays in recent memory... a spell-binding drama with a global impact." — The Kitchener Record

"An illuminating history lesson with the appeal of an old-fashioned Hollywood biopic." — Globe and Mail

"Everything theatre should be. It's funny, beautiful and troubling. It asks big questions and resonates powerfully." — Vue Weekly (Edmonton)

About the Playwright:

Vern Thiessen is one of Canada's most produced playwrights. He has written for stage, radio and television. His stage plays – including Einstein's Gift – have been seen off-Broadway and in regional theatres across Canada, the United States, Asia, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Europe. He is the winner of many awards including the Governor General's Literary Award, Canada's highest honour for playwriting. He splits his time between Canada and New York City.