The Genius

Leo Lerner is an American mathematician who has discovered an equation which, if followed to its logical conclusion, would enable anyone to build a weapon which could annihilate mankind.

Play title: The Genius

Author (s): Howard Brenton

Publisher: Methuen, Limited

Publication Date: 1983

Genre: Drama

Primary Discipline: Mathematics

Secondary Discipline: Nuclear Physics

Scientist (s): Fictional

Source Texts: Unknown

Character Breakdown: 5m, 4f

Leo Lehrer. Gilly Brown, Richard Weight, Graham Hay, Virginia Hay, Andrea Long, Tom Dicks, Cliff Jones, and A Skeleton.

Setting: Varies

Time Period: The Present

Synopsis of Play: Leo Lerner is an American mathematician who has discovered an equation which, if followed to its logical conclusion, would enable anyone to build a weapon which could annihilate mankind. He is hiding out from the Pentagon in the math department of an English university when he learns that a first year student has also come up with the equation! (play text cover blurb, Samuel French)

First Performance Date: September 8, 1983

First Producer: Royal Court Theatre

Performance History: The Genius by Howard Brenton was first performed at the Royal Court Theatre, London, on September 8th, 1983. The play was directed by Danny Boyle and designed by Peter Hartwell, with lighting by Gareth Jones and sound by Patrick Bridgeman.

Review Links:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1986-04-10/features/8601260284_1_genius-howard-brenton-exchanges

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2010/jul/10/howard-brenton-life-in-theatre

http://articles.latimes.com/1987-10-16/entertainment/ca-9715_1_violin-playing

Entered by: Meaghan Yesford

Photo/Visual Research with citations