Epic Theatre Center will present the US premiere of Vern Thiessen's Einstein's Gift, which will coincide with the centennial celebration of the great scientists' "Miracle Year" and 50th anniversary of his death when it opens on October 6th after beginning performances on October 1st at the Acorn Theatre (410 West 42nd Street); it will run through November 6th.
Directed by Ron Russell (Hannah & Martin), Einstein's Gift is the winner of the 2003 Governor General Award for Drama ("The Canadian Pulitzer"). "The play centers on the relationship between Albert Einstein and Friedrich Haber, two world famous scientists who shared little in common, but each witnessed their great discoveries used for massive destruction," according to production notes.The Canadian Thiessen's other plays include Shakespeare's Will, Apple, Blowfish, and The Resurrection of John Frum. He wrote the screenplay for the award-winning short, Samurai Swing, appeared at numerous film festivals and on CBC Television, and is the former President of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. "Epic Theatre Center is the New York-based, Obie Award-winning company dedicated to nurturing civic-minded artists and audiences. The company's first official day of operation was September 11, 2001, but rather than be deterred by world events, Epic's founders were further galvanized to create a company that embraces theatre as a way to empower diverse voices and inspire social change. Epic's highly innovative education programs in public schools throughout New York and the Northeast, as well as their efforts to bring first-time theatergoers to their Off-Broadway productions and new play workshops have garnered the company its most rapid acclaim. In addition, last spring's sold-out premiere of Kate Fodor's acclaimed Hannah & Martin (starring David Strathairn), among numerous other productions, has elevated Epic's profile among the more traditional Off-Broadway audience."
The performance schedule for Einstein's Gift is as follows: Tuesday-Saturday at 8 p.m; with matinees on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Special student matinees at 2 p.m. are scheduled for the following dates: 10/11-12; 10/20; 10/27; 11/3. For tickets, Call TicketCentral (212) 279-4200 or visit Ticketcentral.com.Casting, designers and other details will be announced shortly.
