The Theory of Relativity...it's not all about Einstein.

The Theory of Relativity...it's not all about Einstein.

By Matt Heyward on April 26, 2018

E = mc2.  Sure, it's Albert Einstein’s most famous equation...BUT...it is also the title of a new musical.  Brand new to the MTI catalogue, The Theory of Relativity is an unconventional and moving musical drama that examines the interconnectedness of all people through an array of diverse life experiences.

From Drama Desk Award nominees Neil Bartram and Brian Hill (The Story of My Life), Theory of Relativity is a joyous and moving look about our surprisingly interconnected lives.  Whether you're allergic to cats, in love for the first or tenth time, a child of divorce, a germaphobe or simply a unique individual, audience members and actors alike are sure to find themselves in this fresh new musical.

How do music theatre writers like Neil and Brian come up with a completely original idea for a musical that isn't based on a book or film?! Well...we asked them.   We also chatted to Finn Carter and Jack Lark from MTC(Musical Theatre Crew) in Hobart, who are co-directing the Australian premiere in May, about why they chose The Theory of Relativity as their directorial debut, and why it is such a great piece for young actors.

Neil “When we started to create this show we wanted to write something for young performers, who, in high school and colleges are often asked to play characters much older or much younger than themselves.”

Brian “Let’s face it, somebody always has to play Aunt Eller or Tevye, and as nice as that is, we wanted to write something different.”

Neil “Not only did we want performers to be playing their own age, but also to be able to access experiences they could understand.”

Brian “We also wanted to write something in which every single actor got a featured moment…and…every single actor had to be a part of a supportive ensemble.

Neil - "So to prepare, we talked to a bunch of young performers to find out what was on their minds, and thought, well they’re young performers they are probably going to want to talk about their careers, and probably wanting to do Broadway one day, but it wasn’t like that at all.   They talked about their friends, their family, their relationships, the people they met in high school and college which they knew were temporary relationships.  They were really just talking about their place in the world.”

Brian – “And inspired by those stories, Neil went off to the studio and started writing songs.”

Neil “And for a while we thought it would be a song cycle, but when I started playing the songs for Brian, he noticed a lot of thematic similarities between the songs and then decided to write some connective material and monologues.”

Brian – “And all of that eventually became Theory of Relativity.

First time directors Finn Carter and Jack Lark in Hobart explain why The Theory of Relativity was the perfect show for them to tackle.  

Jack and Finn: 
"
The Theory Of Relativity is the perfect musical for young, first-time musical directors. It's
quite a complex show, however we are dealing with themes and issues that are incredibly relevant to us, making it a joy to direct. We are also directing people our own age, which is a bonus as young directors. Both the book and the music are beautifully written too - the harmonies are utterly gorgeous and it really helps support the theme of inter connectivity. When we heard the music and read the script, we knew it was right for us. Anyone can watch this show and leave the theatre feeling uplifted."