 "Photo: California Repertory Company")
The California Repertory Company's upcoming play, "The Love Song of J. Robert Oppenheimer," written by Carson Kreitzer, tells the historic and inventive story of the creator of the atomic bomb.
The production will display how Oppenheimer's creation not only altered the world after the World War II, but also how it affected his life, conscience and identity.
Through the complex mind of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the play produces a combination of history, science, myth, and morality.
Joanne Gordon, artistic director, said, "If you're going to ask ultimate questions and explore — whether as an artist, a scientist or anything else — the boundaries of what we know, if you dare to disturb the universe, there are going to be ramifications. And you have to be brave in order to face and deal with those ramifications."
Upon deciding the Cal-Rep Company's 2011-2012 season, the selection committee debated the production of this particular play because they felt the issues in the play were not relevant today. Cal Rep ultimately decided that "The Love Song of J. Robert Oppenheimer" was cinematic and emotionally pleasing enough to follow through with production. Gordon said the play was "hauntingly prophetic" when the tsunami struck Japan, causing a nuclear crisis.
Although the March 2011 events in Japan dealt with the terrifying force of nuclear energy, they were caused by an unfortunate natural disaster — an earthquake with a 9.0 magnitude. In the play, Oppenheimer's atomic bomb was a direct and intentional nuclear force brought down upon the civilians of Japan.
Oppenheimer is depicted as the man who caused the tragic annihilation in Japan. However, he is also seen as the leader in the discovery of nuclear energy and as the man who ended one of the most significant , though he is forced to deal with the guilt of ending the lives of thousands of innocent people.
Oppenheimer lives his entire life dealing with the ambiguity of being both proud and ashamed of being Jewish. In the play, he feels that the Holocaust gives him the right to explore the potential of nuclear energy. The issue is whether he is able to deal with the consequences of his actions, after testing the boundaries of what we know as a society.
The United States government accuses him of being involved with communists, and has his security clearance revoked. The Red Scare is in occurrence, and Oppenheimer is sent to trial, where is life begins to fall apart.
When asked about what the audience will gain from a play like this, Gordon said, "Students should ask themselves not only about nuclear war, but about personal responsibility and art, and identity, and also have a good time."
"The Love Song of J. Robert Oppenheimer" will run at the Royal Theatre aboard the Queen Mary from Sept. 23 to Oct. 15. Tickets are $15 for students and $20 for general admission. The Royal Theatre is located at 1126 Queens Highway. For more information, visit CalRep.org.
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