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
55 DAYS Hampstead Theatre, 2012 55 DAYS Hampstead Theatre 2012