By Tansy Cai
From November 27th to 29th, Collingwood School Theater presented The Farnsworth Invention. The play was written by Aaron Sorkin, and it is based on two ambitious men racing against one another to invent the television in 1929. David Sarnoff, who was played by Christopher James Cannistraro, is the confident, determined president of RCA with the potential to be a media magnate. Philo T Farnsworth, who was played by Alex Lara, is an unsophisticated yet smart inventor working independently in a laboratory. Although the two men are located two thousand miles apart, both acknowledge that if they relax for a second, the other will obtain the patent. Eventually, David Sarnoff and Philo T Farnsworth collide in a legal battle for control of the most novel and powerful invention of the 20th century, the television. Contrary to what actually happened historically, the resolution in the play is that Sarnoff steals Farnsworth’s design.
From November 27th to 29th, Collingwood School Theater presented The Farnsworth Invention. The play was written by Aaron Sorkin, and it is based on two ambitious men racing against one another to invent the television in 1929. David Sarnoff, who was played by Christopher James Cannistraro, is the confident, determined president of RCA with the potential to be a media magnate. Philo T Farnsworth, who was played by Alex Lara, is an unsophisticated yet smart inventor working independently in a laboratory. Although the two men are located two thousand miles apart, both acknowledge that if they relax for a second, the other will obtain the patent. Eventually, David Sarnoff and Philo T Farnsworth collide in a legal battle for control of the most novel and powerful invention of the 20th century, the television. Contrary to what actually happened historically, the resolution in the play is that Sarnoff steals Farnsworth’s design.
After viewing the play in the Collingwood Theater, audience members gave fantastic reviews. The production captured much attention, because it revolved around the creation of the popular television, beloved to many of the play’s spectators. Although some critics found that the script’s scientific terminology was slightly difficult to follow, the plot was captivating nonetheless. In particular, the script consisted of witty remarks, which definitely kept the viewers entertained. Moreover, the stage productions, including lighting, were successful in enhancing each scene. Every actor was also complimented for being well prepared. Not only was the production enjoyable to watch, it was historically related. Apart from the fictional ending, most other details of the play represented a reliable account.
The entire cast diligently practised for two months before the play was presented. Main characters even contributed their lunch and after school time almost every day to make the production possible. Thanks to all the participants and drama teachers, who devoted time and effort to allow the play to be a yet another great demonstration of the talent at Collingwood School!