This astonishing one-act play is a compilation of some verbatim testimonies from survivors in Hiroshima, and also the words of Neiji Nakazawa, Leo Szilard and General Paul Tibbets, alongside others.
Michael Mears as Leo Szilard in The Mistake | Photo © Simon Richardson
It is a gruelling, thought-provoking piece which follows the stories of those involved and directly affected by the flight of the Enola Gay and those who survived on the ground.
Profoundly moving in its simplicity and engaging storytelling, Michael Mears and Riko Nakazono bring an urgency as well as many different viewpoints to such an appalling moment in history.
The play moves at pace across continents with the two performers multi-role playing with ease; bringing the key scientists and communities to life.
The energy and force of the narrative carry the story with ease, and confrontations are useful moments to stop and engage with the differing points of view.
It is directed with great precision by Rosamunde Hutt with a hugely effective design by Mark Friend. The lighting and soundscape are both atmospheric but is also used to disrupt the thought processes and bring the audience back to the moment.
The packed audience were unanimous in their appreciation, the production tours to other UK venues before heading to the USA and Japan. An absolute must-see.
Final night at the Ustinov tonight (Thursday 5th June), all onward dates at michaelmears.org
It should be on the curriculum in schools, it is a vital piece of work.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield
