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 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. “Time and again in this triumphantly assured drama - there are phrases that leap out and draw you into the wonder, and the horror, of mankind's journey to a brave new world of potential total annihilation.” ― 5*s - Telegraph “Where [Arthur] Miller drew a blank, writer Tom Morton-Smith succeeds in presenting the complex character of Oppenheimer” ― Stratford Observer “An engaging and informative night at the theatre” ― 5*s - London Theatre 1 “An evening of ebullience with moments of wonder...raw, nimble and devastating.” ― A Younger Theatre “The dialogue crackles with vicious insight and humour.” ― Time Out “Morton-Smith's careful handling gives rise to a lyrical character study of ordinary people burdened by exceptional circumstances.” ― Guardian “Starkly original ... The seeming simplicity of Morton-Smith's dialogue belies a rich, poetic meditation on loss, identity and the complexity of care.” ― Exeunt Tom Morton-Smith is a British playwright and screenwriter. His sell-out adaptation of Studio Ghibli's classic animation, My Neighbour Totoro , opened at the Barbican in October 2022 and returned in November 2023. Presented by executive producer Joe Hisaishi, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Improbable and Nippon TV. With puppets built by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. The show broke box office records, becoming the fastest selling show in the Barbican's history, and opened to critical acclaim. He is developing several feature films, including The Valley of Hinnom co-written with director Juan Carlos Medina for Quad Films, and Psychodrama for Drama Republic. He is also developing a television series for Drama Republic entitled Rocksavage . 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.