The idea that there’s no such thing as moral goodness, the sort that can be distinguished from Spock-like cost-benefit analyses or Darwinian instincts, isn’t exactly novel. Noted contemporary philosopher Joey Tribbiani made that argument to Phoebe Buffay on Friends, which led her on a memorable series of botched attempts at selfless deeds. “I went down to the park and I let a bee sting me,” she announced to him in defiance. “The bee is happy, and I am definitely not.”
This element—drawn by Stoppard from an incomplete script he wrote based on the 2008 global financial crisis—elevates the perfunctory faith-versus-fact argument to something quintessentially American and of the moment. It’s easy to envision hedge fund manager and Krohl founder Nathan Hosner as Jeff Bezos, Peter Thiel, or any of the other billionaires who’ve wrested enough influence to become household names. In these rough-and-tumble scenes from the real world, Newell’s cast mines the humanity from the thought experiments. After all, in a society that rewards self-growth above all else, where is there room for altruism? v
Through 4/9: Wed-Thu 7:30 PM, Fri 8 PM, Sat 3 and 8 PM, Sun 2:30 and 7:30 PM Court Theatre 5535 S. Ellis 773-753-4472courttheatre.org $45-$65
