The Soul Of Wittgenstein

Synopsis:

Ludwig Wittgenstein is regarded by many as the greatest philosopher of the 20^th century.  And yet, he achieved this extraordinary reputation through the publication in 1921 of just one slim (75-page) treatise:  Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus.

The central thrust of this work (at the risk of massive oversimplification) is that our understanding of the universe is limited by language, and that what is beyond language is therefore unknowable.

Being possessed of a brilliant and restless mind, and with this publication under his belt, Wittgenstein felt he had adequately dealt with the great philosophical questions of the day, and went on to other things.

With the advent of war, he eschewed philosophy altogether and became a porter at Guy’s Hospital in London (1941).  It was his job to distribute the medications to patients throughout the hospital.  As often as not, he talked them out of taking such medications.

Throughout his stint at the hospital, he ensured that his true identity was never revealed.

It is known that Wittgenstein was gay, and that he seemed to prefer the company of men of the ‘working-classes’ but, beyond this, little is known of his private life.

In The Soul Of Wittgenstein, he forms one such liaison with a patient by the name of John Smith, a young, illiterate Cockney.

Wittgenstein’s work dealt predominantly with the interface between language and philosophy, and it is through his relationship with Smith in this dense, complex and deeply moving script that each of them comes to a new understanding of their world.

Character Breakdown:

LUDWIG Wittgenstein 52
JOHN Smith 26

Running-tine:  70 minutes.

Production History:

World Premiere: King’s Head Theatre, London.  2016.

Other Productions:
The Queer Festival, London.  2016.
Clapham Omnibus Theatre, London.  2018.

Publication:  Australian Playscripts.  2016.

Translation:  Italian. 2021

Awards:  Finalist Carlo Annoni International Playwriting Award.  2021.

Reviews:

★★★★★

“An admirable example of powerful drama and superb writing..  I would readily see this again tonight.. and perhaps even the next night..  Wonderful stuff.”  (ActDrop, 2016)

“It is a moving and powerful play.. hugely compelling, wonderfully watchable characters, and the story is a riveting treat with humour well-balanced with poignancy.”  (ActDrop, 2018)

★★★★★
“A surprisingly wonderful show.. effortless.  A scintillating, subtle and intense play.” (London Theatre 1, 2016)“This play is absolutely awesome..  An amazing story that captures your head and your heart and refuses to let them go. Fantastic!”  (London Theatre 1, 2018)

★★★★★
“Sensational writing..  Powerful and extremely moving.. an absolute must see.”  (Scatter Of Opinion)

★★★★★
“Poignant, compelling and immersive theatre with a tight (and intellectual) finished product.”  (Everything Theatre)

★★★★
“Finely wrought.. magical.. a transfer to the West End would be deserved.”  (Plays To See)

“Throughout we get a perfect combination of humour and sadness, a fantastic play on words, knock out lines and brilliant delivery.”  (Live London Post)

★★★★

“A keenly observed two-hander that is nothing short of a delight to watch..  deftly written..  surprisingly amusing..”  (Jack The Lad Magazine)

“Witty script..  compelling..  incredibly powerful..”  (Theatre Bubble)

“Both profound and philosophical, it is theatre to think, to provoke and reflect upon the mysteries of life, of love.”  (The UpComing)

“Remarkably accomplished..  comedy and pathos are blended perfectly..”  (The Reviews Hub)