The Physicists (1962) by Friedrich Dürrenmatt is a satirical comedy set in a private asylum where three physicists pretend to be insane for their own reasons. The play explores the moral responsibilities of science and the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancements, especially during the Cold War era. The main character, Johann Wilhelm Mobius, hides in the asylum to protect his world-changing discoveries from falling into the wrong hands. As the story unfolds, it’s revealed that the three physicists are not insane, but have chosen self-sacrifice to prevent global catastrophe. However, the asylum’s director, Dr. Mathilde von Zahnd, secretly plans to use Mobius’s discoveries to dominate the world. The play ends with the physicists' solemn warning to humanity about the consequences of their work.
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