Copenhagen Review: Atomic Secrets and Moral Fog in a Timely Revival
The Hampstead Theatre's revival of Michael Frayn's 1998 drama 'Copenhagen' is praised for its terrifying timeliness, drawing parallels between the play's depiction of Nazi Germany and contemporary political threats, including echoes of Donald Trump. The production features Richard Schiff as Niels Bohr, Damien Molony as Werner Heisenberg, and Alex Kingston as Margrethe Bohr. While the director successfully clarifies complex scientific dialogue and creates a visually striking set, critics note that the production struggles to ignite its emotional core. Issues include an exaggerated age gap between the leads that undermines their dynamic, occasional line delivery errors by Schiff, and a lack of intimate friction between the characters. Despite these flaws, the play remains highly relevant due to its exploration of science, conscience, and the moral ambiguity of nuclear physics during wartime.
Wire timeline
Copenhagen Review: Atomic Secrets and Moral Fog in a Timely Revival
The Hampstead Theatre's revival of Michael Frayn's 1998 drama 'Copenhagen' is praised for its terrifying timeliness, drawing parallels between the play's depiction of Nazi Germany and contemporary political threats, including echoes of Donald Trump. The production features Richard Schiff as Niels Bohr, Damien Molony as Werner Heisenberg, and Alex Kingston as Margrethe Bohr. While the director successfully clarifies complex scientific dialogue and creates a visually striking set, critics note that the production struggles to ignite its emotional core. Issues include an exaggerated age gap between the leads that undermines their dynamic, occasional line delivery errors by Schiff, and a lack of intimate friction between the characters. Despite these flaws, the play remains highly relevant due to its exploration of science, conscience, and the moral ambiguity of nuclear physics during wartime.
The Guardian