Perspectives
Theatre
Somewhere in the universe
Is it possible for a play about string
theory, quantum physics, and
freedom of choice to be enchanting,
innovative, funny, and moving?
It may seem unlikely, but if the
play in question is the Royal Court
Theatre production of Nick Paynes
Constellations the answer is yes. Both
theme and structure of the play
stem from the possible existence
of a multiversethat infinite
versions of us exist in a series of
parallel universes. This idea is based
on the fact that in physics certain
observations cannot be predicted
and for them to be possible an
unimaginably vast ensemble of
parallel universes where they might
occur must exist. In Constellations,
the representation of a multiverse is
eectively achieved by using a simple
set with a dark oor with honeycomb-
shaped tiles beneath a rmament of
white balloons, and subtle changes
of lighting.
The play starts as a classic rom-com
with the first encounter between
quantum physics researcher Marianne
(played with a mix of brittleness and
mercurial energy by Louise Brealey),
and down-to-earth beekeeper Roland
(an endearing Joe Armstrong). Yet
when their rst awkward meeting at
a friends barbecue does not go well,
the story moves to parallel universes
where the characters meet again for
the first timealways with subtle
changes of tone, words, or attitude
that allows a variety of possible
outcomes to emerge.
We then see Marianne and Roland
at pivotal moments of their potential
relationship when they might get
together or go their separate ways,
break up, meet again, get married,
or already be in other relationships.
These strands of innite possibilities
converge into a dramatic and
heartbreaking ending in which the
devastating eects of cancer and the
www.thelancet.com Vol 386 July 18, 2015
idea of freedom of choice reshue all
the cards.
Thanks to Michael Longhursts
precise direction and the ability of the
actors to shift tone and emotion in
each replay, each universe is distinct
from the others even when the
dialogue is the same. There are many
funny moments, especially when
the couple meet again accidentally
at a ballroom dancing class or when
Roland tries to propose with dierent
takes on the same rambling speech
that seeks to draw parallels between
Is it possible for a play about
string theory, quantum physics,
and freedom of choice to be
enchanting, innovative, funny,
and moving?
the life of the honey bee and the
meaning of our existence. At the
same time, the dierent scenarios are
repeatedly fragmented by extracts
from a later momentor I should say
a parallel moment in keeping with the
concept that time and space are not
linearwhen Marianne confronts her
progressive loss of capacity to speak
and read because of advanced brain
cancer. The awareness of this harrowing
outcome puts every other scene in
sharp perspective and adds a layer of
poignancy to the couples exchanges.
Constellations has been compared to
both Tom Stoppards Arcadia, for its
use of a scientic theory as a narrative
framework (the theory of chaos
Helen Maybanks
for Stoppard), and Caryl Churchills
Blue Heart, for its use of repetition
of the same scene with different
outcomes. But Payne manages to Constellations
achieve a unique balance between The Royal Court Theatre
Production written by Nick Payne,
a complex scientific idea and deep directed by Michael Longhurst.
humanity. This is particularly evident Trafalgar Studios 1, London, UK,
in the final conversation between until Aug 1, 2015
http://www.royalcourttheatre.
Marianne and Roland before she com/whats-on/constellations
enters a clinic where she has decided
to take her own life because she is not
responding to chemotherapy. Despite
the raw reality of this moment, we are
left with the paradoxically comforting
reection that whatever sadness and
pain the characters are experiencing,
in other universes they might still be
happy, healthy, and in the company of
those whom they have lost along the
way. Multiversally sublime.
Marco De Ambrogi
m.deambrogi@elsevier.com
Helen Maybanks
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