Reviewed: Symmetry

Photos: Liz Lauren

Symmetry
by David Field, performed at Victory Gardens Theater, Chicago, May 27-July 10, 2005
Reviewed by Elizabeth Wade

Young science geniuses are the stuff of legend, making breakthrough calculations in their attics on stormy nights and revolutionizing the world by the age of 30. As today's physics is transformed to include string theory, extra dimensions, dark energy, and other topics once relegated to the field of science fiction, the only thing missing is the young prodigy ready to overturn our ideas of space and time. Meet Oscar Newman, the main character ofSymmetry, a play written by David Field and recently performed at the Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago.

At age 26, Oscar (Aaron Roman Weiner, top photo) sent a ripple through the physics community with a paper on M-theory. His work catches the attention of both technology tycoon John Slocum (J.J. Johnston) and famed Manhattan Project scientist Edmund Lakos (William J. Norris). While Oscar is tempted by their career offers, he feels bound to his low-profile teaching position at Albuquerque State by his mentor, Neil Julian (Matt DeCaro), and Neil's mission to build a state-of-the-art physics lab. As Oscar becomes entangled in the power politics of building an elaborate new facility, he begins to question his previous notions about the power of Western science and math, and he becomes intrigued by the mystical ideas of Ecco Sagada (Jennifer Liu, bottom photo), the new Eastern religions professor.

The audience has seen similar characters many times before, as they represent all the classic science stereotypes. Fortunately, the public's familiarity with such unrealistic characters ensures that they are not distracted in any way from the best part of Symmetry—the science. Scenes set in Oscar's physics classes double as intriguing real-life lectures about topics including Einstein's revolutionary genius, the weirdness of quantum mechanics, and the mind-blowing new theories waiting for experimental verification. By portraying the scientific community as a group of stereotypes, Symmetry makes physics as approachable as it has ever been.

Symmetry presents a chance for the curious to hear about the mysteries of our universe (and all the bewildering theories that might explain them) outside of a classroom. Despite perpetuating a stereotypical vision of the scientific community, Symmetry ultimately benefits physics by making science accessible and reminding people that, hey, this stuff is cool. 

Elizabeth Wade