In 2025, light is no longer considered a chance or a privilege, everyone presses the switch without even thinking about it, opening the light, the TV or the computer. However, there is nothing trivial about the gesture, as the play played at the Lucernaire because this major progress in the history of humanity gave rise to a fierce war of currents between 3 genius characters, Thomas Edison the entrepreneur, George Westinghouse the businessman and Nikola Tesla the slightly perched outsider. Historical facts abound in a beautiful moment of theater that mixes ego struggles and philosophical considerations on the impact of this revolution on humanity, starting with the death penalty.
An acclaimed piece
A little history. In 1879, Thomas Edison (1847-1931), American scientist and inventor, pioneer of electricity, designed a device composed of a bamboo filament which burned within a glass bubble, in which there was an almost absolute vacuum. This first lamp offers several dozen hours of lighting. Supporter of direct current, he has trouble with the eccentric but brilliant Nikola Tesla convinced of the superiority of alternating current, who first joins it before leaving for the ambitious and formidable competitor George Westinghouse. All 3 occupy a stage made up of light bulbs and early gadgets, telephone, phonogram and rudimentary devices showing the inventive explosion of the end of the 19th century thanks to the first industrial and then domestic appearance of electricity, has since become an indispensable component of modernity, illuminating the darkness and extending the cycle of life. The piece judiciously connects the concept of progress with the constant human tendency to transform the best ideas into the concept of death, recalling the invention of the electric chair, designed first to lessen the suffering of the condemned in relation to the previous process of hanging. But the first execution of the so-called William Kemmler did not go smoothly. The first discharge of a thousand volts of alternating current supposed to cause rapid unconsciousness and cardiac arrest did not kill kemmler who suffered a series of sufferings during the 3 discharges suffered, a true example of human barbarity. The play also highlights the leading role of women inEdison and of Westinghouse in their husband’s success, thus reminding us that behind every great man there is a woman.
The public is won over by this rhythmic and inventive play, the actors and actresses give both a historical and social dimension to this major episode in human history.
Synopsis:
FROM SHADOW TO LIGHT… AND VARIOUSLY!
New York, 1878. Thirsty for progress, the Edison couple multiplies revolutionary inventions. But Thomas Edison, insatiable, is now pursuing a dream: that of lighting the world by becoming the master of electricity… To his great surprise, the brilliant inventor is not alone in the race. The eccentric Nikola Tesla and, above all, the ambitious Westinghouse couple are also determined to illuminate the future. Terrified at the idea of no longer living up to his legend, Edison will do everything to win the battle. Even if it means making a deal with the night, by inventing the unimaginable in the name of progress…
The story of a handful of men and women who dreamed so strongly about the future that they ended up inventing it.
Details:
Tuesday > Saturday 19h | Sunday 16h
Duration 1h20
