Emilie: La Marquise Du Ch Telet Defends Her Life Tonight (Paperback) - Common

by Lauren Gunderson

2m, 3f / Historic/Docu Drama Passionate. Brilliant. Defiant. Tonight, 18th century scientific genius Emilie du Chatelet is back and determined to answer the question she died love or philosophy, head or heart? In this highly theatrical rediscovery of one of history's most intriguing women, Emilie defends her life and loves; and ends up with both a formula and a legacy that permeates history. "Gunderson possesses an antic imagination that seeks to invent its own rules. As soon as we're drawn in, she shakes us and whisks us 10 or 15 paces ahead." -Los Angeles Times "The ambitious, non-linear experiment is a highly theatrical romp that literally crackles with electricity." -LA/OC Examiner

Genres: Plays, Drama, Theatre

80 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2010

Reviews

[Rachel Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Lady protagonist. Fun historical setting and science themes. Also some interesting new theatrical devices (linking breath with lighting cues) that enhance the emotional life of Emilie. One of the best plays I've read this year.

[MB Shakespeare · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful play about Emilie La Marquise, her work, and her relationship with Voltaire. Her daring in questioning the great Newton changed how philosophers and scientists saw things and continue to see things.

Fave quotes:

"And nothing, as a concept, is a larger conversation than one would think. Nothing is a definition of everything. How do we feel nothing? And why does absence weigh so heavy on the heart?"

"There must be a trigger in women that sways us to forget the bruises of certain activities, like childbirth, men, and other dangerous sports. It's either madness or martyrdom...or hope."

"And I wish that I could tell you what I actually mean. I am not this presentable inside. I've got no etiquette. I scream and cry. I don't want words anymore. No use. Just be. Simple be."

"Because lives aren't equations...they are variables inside them. The governing equations are universal, but a life fully lived can still change the universe."

[Langleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very unique feeling play and I loved seeing the modern language on historical characters, I was able to actually understand what they were saying. I have enjoyed everything that I’ve read from Lauren Gunderson, she could do not wrong in my eyes. However, the play was hard to understand when a bunch of science and math terms were just thrown around so casually.

[Rachel Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could I love this play more? No. I could not. I am now antsy to see it staged and raring to work on a production of it some day. Such witty dialogue, a tempestuous relationship with Voltaire, and a brilliant woman who defied the limitations of the day to be a force of intellect in physics.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best friend wanted me to read this. I don't think she meant "have a mental breakdown and read it", but that's what I did and I think it was a 10/10 experience. If you want your existential spiral to feel justified, please read this.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this! Lauren Gunderson is quickly becoming one of my favorite playwrights with each piece of hers that I read. I liked the structure and language, it was both thought provoking yet digestible.

[Amandanoel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up from 4.5 because I trust it’s better in production than in the page.. was skeptical at first and there are some small quibbles I have structurally but didn’t keep me from sobbing at the end

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting character study of a woman I am upset I didn't know more about sooner

[Jolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pleasure to read. Very clever. Sometimes more clever than weighty, but the impact sustains. Gunderson wrestles with a lot of dense material and manages to make most of it electrifying.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting tribute to one of the 18th century's brightest lights.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanna sob.

[Caroline May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm finding it hard to articulate exactly what it is that makes this play so compelling to me. I love the way Gunderson structures her dialogue here - it's giving thought process which really fits with Emilie's character. The comparison of Emilie's interpersonal relationships to the varying laws of physics - almost like how she has trouble tearing away from her work?? anyone?? This bitch is interesting!! I desperately need to see this staged YESTERDAY

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Currently doing this show and got to speak with the playwright on the first day of rehearsal. It was one of her first works to really put her name into the theater world. She had tons of fun writing it and you can absolutely tell.

Great, strong female lead with some powerful scenes throughout, yet still has a strong sense of ensemble at it's heart.

[Kayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expodential, infinite growth. The pondering over existance, and what we leave behind after we die. And, oh, the romance and comedy among the existentialism! Emilie was an extraordinaty woman, and I can't wait to direct this play!

[David Mcshane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating play with wit, heart and enormous intelligence. Would recommend to anyone.