Audiences of all ages will love Albert Einstein: Relativitively Speaking’s mix of science jokes, sneaky innuendo, scholarly songs and educational facts almost as much as Albert loved physics, or, as this production would make you believe, as much as he loved gangsta rap.
The production begins by placing the audience in a dusty lecture theatre at Princeton University in 1933. The class is taken by the eclectic, intelligent, suggestive and oddly hip Albert Einstein. Albert Einstein: Relativitively Speaking is semi-biographical, following Einstein from the height of his career to his death and beyond (although it’s probably safe to say the scenes involving Einstein breakdancing are probably a little exaggerated). Writer and lead performer, John Hinton, handles humour in an appealing, universal way, using language appropriate for high schoolers without being patronising, and creating just enough adult humour to keep an older cabaret audience engaged.
The show relies on audience participation, and, with the audience remaining lit and visible for the bulk of the show, the audience is aware that they could be picked at any moment to do anything from holding a prop to demonstrating scientific theories using a lightsaber. The audience participation is very funny and well-managed by Hinton, but for those who prefer to sit in a dark corner and stay there for the remainder of a show, this might be a show to skip or, at least, a show where you should try to get a seat in the back.
The more serious scenes in the show, however, seem a little out-of-place, particularly because the transition from bawdy humour to tragic war stories is often abrupt and unexpected. Although they are often supported by skilful, atmospheric lighting changes and are acted with conviction, the audience still seems to feel out-of-step in these melancholy chapters.
Musically, the clear highlight is the E=MC2 rap, complete with breakdancing and fun, geeky hand gestures. The witty rhymes, physics puns and enthusiastic performance have the audience sold straight away. Hinton’s exaggerated German accent can make his other musical numbers difficult to understand, but his witty lyrics during the rap are clear and educational.
With very few stumbles and an endearingly awkward, nerdy demeanour, Hinton makes a charming Einstein. Save for the musical accompaniment and occasional one-liner thrown in by Einstein’s mother or one of his wives, all portrayed by Jo Eagle, Hinton largely carries the show alone, but maintains his energy and vigour throughout the 60-minute performance.
Albert Einstein: Relativitively Speaking is a ‘relativitively’ exciting addition to this year’s Fringe programme. The show is excellent ‘edutainment’, and those brave enough to donate their dignity to science will learn a lot (although not necessarily about physics).
Rating: 3 and ½ out of 5 stars
Albert Einstein: Relativitively Speaking
Directed by Daniel Goldman
Written by John Hinton
Music by John Hinton and Jo Eagle
Cast: John Hinton and Jo Eagle
The Studio, Holden Street Theatres, Hindmarsh
Adelaide Fringe
www.adelaidefringe.com.au
11 February – 16 March
