Original Play, Written And Performed By David Kaye
Two Days Only, A Players' Ring Fundraiser
July 2 and 3 (Tuesday and Wednesday) at 7 p.m.
BLURB: A favorite production of 30 years' reviewing.
An excerpt from a review of the premier of The Haber Conundrum (Portsmouth Herald), staged in 2019:
(David) Kaye's The Haber Conundrum is an intense, powerful, meaty script exploring a complex man, and an ethical, and moral query.
Chemist Fritz Haber (1868 -1934), a German Jew, won a Nobel Prize for his "fixation of nitrogen from the air," which is still used for half the world's food production. He is also a reviled figure for his later work developing and weaponizing chlorine and other gases used in World War II, and taking part in their inaugural releases.
Kaye, the playwright, is also the sole performer. As Haber he takes to the stage to lay his case before the world; is he the beast some consider him, or the scientist whose discovery still saves countless lives, in addition to other beneficial advances.
The historical figure's story is naturally compelling, and Kaye's deft script does it justice. This is a powerful, moving, intelligent piece, worthy of a truckload of praiseworthy adjectives.
Its sole, slow track is during its necessary set-up, which could perhaps be shaved some. But it remains interesting, and Kaye's outstanding, energetic, well-nuanced portrayal pulls you along as the story blossoms into a nonstop, provocative tale - beautifully told, perfectly performed.
Without question (Haber) is engaging, and revealing and above all challenging to the viewer.
Haber is unquestionably a "not to be missed" powerhouse; a riveting piece.
The premier was originally staged as part of "Judgement Day," which featured two, one-man shows, as part of Act One's Summer Festival.
WHERE: Player's Ring,105 Marcy St., Portsmouth NH
WHEN: July 2 and 3, (Tuesday and Wednesday) at 7 p.m.
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