Copenhagen review: Dazzling but mind-boggling play about quantum theory

Professional ambition, nationalism or vengeful fury could be as much of a driver of scientific thought as pure curiosity. So could a certain macho bullheadedness. Kingston’s Margrethe is a partial riposte to, and a partial reinforcement of, the “great man” theory to which both men unconsciously subscribe. A brilliant mind herself, she’s used here as a representative of the ignorant audience, for whom things need to be kept simple. When her anger mounts, the men shrug: it’s a chain reaction.