Emma Howlett’s acclaimed production, “Aether,” presented at Summerhall, transcends conventional theatre by intricately weaving a tapestry of scientific inquiry, historical narrative, and the elusive nature of truth. This captivating play invites its audience into a unique academic setting, transforming them into participants in a dazzling lecture that explores the boundaries of human knowledge and the allure of the unknown. Through its innovative structure, “Aether” offers a profound meditation on the mysteries that continue to shape our understanding of the cosmos and ourselves.
Central to “Aether”‘s success is Howlett’s masterful direction and the exceptional ensemble cast, who navigate complex themes with remarkable fluidity and lightness. The performers Sophie Kean, Abby McCann, Anna Marks Pryce, and Gemma Barnett demonstrate an extraordinary synergy, acting as a cohesive unit to bring five distinct historical narratives to life. Their seamless transitions and collective energy underscore the play’s core message: that individual stories, when intertwined, can illuminate universal truths about existence and perception.
Exploiting the natural architecture of Summerhall’s Anatomy lecture theatre, the production cleverly immerses the audience by positioning them as students, complete with pens and whiteboards. This interactive approach, coupled with ingenious lighting design by Ed Saunders, uses an overhead projector to spotlight the actors, thereby reinforcing the play’s academic premise and drawing the audience deeper into its intellectual and emotional landscape. This unique staging transforms a theatrical performance into an interactive exploration of history and scientific discovery.
Among the compelling narratives presented are the stories of Hypatia, the ancient Egyptian mathematician and astronomer whose pursuit of knowledge led to a tragic end, and the 20th-century quest to find evidence of dark matter. The play also grounds itself in contemporary relevance through Sophie, a modern-day PhD student, whose obsessive work with data from Cern pushes the limits of scientific understanding while simultaneously impacting her personal life, illustrating the human cost of groundbreaking research.
However, “Aether” truly distinguishes itself by introducing two less conventional, yet equally fascinating, historical figures: Adelaide Herrmann, a renowned vaudeville magician famous for her daring bullet-catch trick, and Florence Cook, a 15-year-old medium who famously captivated a skeptical scientific establishment with her purported communications from the spiritual realm. These inclusions highlight Emma Howlett’s keen interest in the interplay between verifiable fact and the compelling narratives of illusion and belief.
The deliberate juxtaposition and intercutting of these disparate stories create a rich collage of truth and deception. “Aether” meticulously blurs the lines between what is empirically known and what remains shrouded in mystery, exploring the existential fear inherent in an evasive universe where there is always more to learn. This narrative strategy challenges the audience to consider the various ways humanity attempts to grasp the inexplicable, whether through rigorous scientific method or the more nebulous realms of performance and spiritualism.
While the themes explored in “Aether” might appear esoteric, the production itself is never less than profoundly accomplished. It navigates complex philosophical and scientific concepts with remarkable clarity and engaging theatricality, making it accessible and thought-provoking for a diverse audience. This intelligent feminist take on the universe’s grand mysteries solidifies “Aether” as a standout theatrical experience, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness its dazzling blend of intellect and artistry.
