With the opening night of Tuesday, February 25th looming, all those involved with The Palace Players are beavering away with this season’s production of ‘Einstein’s Gift’ by Canadian author, Vern Thiessen.

The play, with a cast of eleven, tells of renowned German scientist and Nobel laureate, Dr Fritz Haber, who enhances life with his work and knowledge, but discovers too late that knowledge in the wrong hands brings death.

Fritz Haber received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1918 for his development for synthesizing ammonia. The food production for half the world’s current population depends on this method for producing fertilizer. Seen as a hero in this respect, Haber has also been described as ‘the father of chemical warfare’ for his work developing and deploying chlorine and other poisonous gases during World War I.

While the playright takes some liberties with historical accuracy, the ideal of science to serve humanity is shown in sharp contrast against the reality of political will, nationalism and war.

This is a hugely interesting piece of theatre that will make for a great night’s entertainment. Directed by Liam Howard, the cast is headed up by newcomer to the group, Eoin Hally from Cobh with Sean Ahern, Alison Lewis, Caitriona Howard, James Lenane, Donal Howard, John Murphy, Donal O’Leary, Simon Drislane, Liam McLoughlin and Kate Murphy.

There are special ticket prices for the first two nights are at a reduced price (€8 Tuesday 25th, €10 Wednesday 26th) while all other nights (Friday, Feb 28 to Sunday, March 2) will be €12 and €10 concessions (for OAPs/students/unemployed). Booking now open at the usual outlets or call 025-32227 or 087-6492514.