Fusion and Fallout of the Nuclear Family

by Jean Egdorf

At the end of World War II, brilliant scientists, like Marcel Lange, ushered the world into the nuclear age. Seven decades later, Ada Lange has followed in her grandfather’s footsteps, working with the government on nuclear energy. But when particles of Marcel’s past collide with Ada’s vision for the future, can she unlock the secret to fusion and mend her nuclear family?

At the end of World War II, brilliant scientists, like Marcel Lange, ushered the world into the nuclear age. Seven decades later, Ada Lange has followed in her grandfather’s footsteps, working with the government on nuclear energy. But when particles of Marcel’s past collide with Ada’s vision for the future, can she unlock the secret to fusion and mend her nuclear family?

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Fusion and Fallout of the Nuclear Family

Recommended by

  • Skye Robinson Hillis: Fusion and Fallout of the Nuclear Family by Jean Egdorf
    “

    I love the structure and theatricality of this play, which on the surface appears to be a simple family drama examining the implications of secrets and longtime rifts, but reveals itself to be an incredibly smart and timely piece that begs to be seen.

    I love the structure and theatricality of this play, which on the surface appears to be a simple family drama examining the implications of secrets and longtime rifts, but reveals itself to be an incredibly smart and timely piece that begs to be seen.

    ”
  • Olivia Matthews: Fusion and Fallout of the Nuclear Family by Jean Egdorf
    “

    In Fusion and Fallout..., Egdorf complicates the choices made by a young man by not only showing us the effect they have on his family but for the world for generations to come. The theatricalization of the coronet films makes it satirical yet haunting. As we weave in and out of time, we see Marcel's impassioned story serve as a warning for the bright and conflicted Ada. Seamlessly moving through the scientific and familial, Egdorf's storytelling is meant for the stage

    In Fusion and Fallout..., Egdorf complicates the choices made by a young man by not only showing us the effect they have on his family but for the world for generations to come. The theatricalization of the coronet films makes it satirical yet haunting. As we weave in and out of time, we see Marcel's impassioned story serve as a warning for the bright and conflicted Ada. Seamlessly moving through the scientific and familial, Egdorf's storytelling is meant for the stage

    ”
  • Jordan Ramirez Puckett: Fusion and Fallout of the Nuclear Family by Jean Egdorf
    “

    This is the perfect play for any theatre or university looking for a scientific play with strong female roles. Egdorf has brilliantly brought the Manhattan Project into an inter-generational family drama with an eye towards its implications for future generations. I sincerely hope to see a production of FUSION AND FALLOUT FOR THE NUCLEAR FAMILY soon.

    This is the perfect play for any theatre or university looking for a scientific play with strong female roles. Egdorf has brilliantly brought the Manhattan Project into an inter-generational family drama with an eye towards its implications for future generations. I sincerely hope to see a production of FUSION AND FALLOUT FOR THE NUCLEAR FAMILY soon.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

The VOICE of an unseen NARRATOR, reminiscent of the narrators of 1940s instructional films, also appears in the play. This role may be pre-recorded or performed live.
  • Ada Lange
    30s
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Marcel Lange
    Ada's grandfather; WWII veteran and retired chemist who worked on the Manhattan Project
    90
    he/him
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Myra
    Marcel's daughter, Ada's aunt & older sister of Peter
    Also plays THE MOTHER
    60s
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Peter
    Marcel's son, Ada's father & younger brother of Myra
    Also plays THE FATHER
    60s
    he/him
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Bridget
    Ada's research colleague & partner
    late-30s/early 40s
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Young Marcel
    A memory of Marcel when he was a young man
    Also plays THE SON
    20s-30s
    he/him
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Young Irene
    A memory of Marcel's wife Irene when she was a young woman
    Also plays THE DAUGHTER
    20s
    She/her
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop, Ohio University, 2019

Production History

  • University, Seabury Quinn Jr. Playwrights' Festival (Cancelled due to COVID-19), 2020