Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer
Tom Morton-Smith
1939: Fascism spreads across Europe, Franco marches on Barcelona and two German chemists discover the processes of atomic fission. In Berkeley, California, theoretical physicists recognise the horrendous potential of this new science: a weapon that draws its power from the very building blocks of the universe. Struggling to cast off his radical past and thrust into a position of power and authority, the ambitious and charismatic J Robert Oppenheimer races to win the “battle of the laboratories” and create a weapon so devastating that it would bring about an end not just to the Second World War but to all war. Tom Morton-Smith’s new play takes us into the heart of the Manhattan Project, revealing the personal cost of making history.
Available
2015
978-1-78319-198-7
Drama
Oberon Books Ltd.
Tom Morton-Smith
According to his own website (www.tommortonsmith.com), “Tom Morton-Smith is a playwright and screenwriter currently based in Northwest England.
His 2015 play, “Oppenheimer”, charts the life of J Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb. Written for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Oppenheimer opened at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, before transferring to the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End. “Ravens”, a Cold War thriller set during the 1972 World Chess Championship, opened at the Hampstead Theatre in November 2019. “The Earthworks” appeared at The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon, in May and June 2017. It appeared as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Mischief Festival and was directed by the RSC’s Deputy Artistic Director, Erica Whyman. His debut play, “Salt Meets Wound”, opened at Theatre503 in May 2007. “Everyday Maps for Everyday Use” was staged at the Finborough Theatre as part of the PapaTango New Writing Festival 2012. “In Doggerland” toured nationally in 2013.
Tom is represented by United Agents and published by Oberon Books (now part of Bloomsbury).