C.S. Lewis meets Sigmund Freud in Freud’s Last Session

Times Contributor  

 

C.S. Lewis and Sigmund Freud – two of the great minds of the 20th Century – never met, but if they had, their conversation might have been like the one in Freud’s Last Session, playing on Rosebud’s BMO Studio Stage this summer. The imagined conversation takes place in Freud’s home office, in London, on Sept. 1, 1939, the opening day of World War II.

Freud (Nathan Schmidt) is 83-years-old and nearing death from oral cancer. Schmidt plays the role so convincingly, I could almost feel the ache in my own joints every time he bent himself into a chair, dropping the last few inches, and as he struggled to get to the floor during an air-raid siren. He also moves his mouth in the way of people who have poorly-fitting dentures; in Freud’s case, he explains, it’s because he has an oral prosthesis, to replace cancerous parts that were surgically removed.

Lewis (Joel Stephanson), in his early 40s, is still a relatively unknown professor and author. He thinks Freud called him for a visit because he criticized Freud in a recent work, but is surprised to find Freud didn’t even read it.

Freud is outspoken in his disregard for Lewis’ writing and his Christian beliefs. Lewis speaks with careful deference for the older man, but doesn’t hold back on a spirited defence of his biblical perspective.

In the intimate Studio Stage, I feel we’re sitting in a corner of Freud’s living room as we listen to their vigorous exchange of ideas. The play is much funnier than I expected, and is occasionally downright hilarious. I’m touched by Lewis’ compassion for the dying Freud, and surprised to discover I have greater respect for Freud after seeing this show.

The sound design by Paul Zacharias is a highlight, especially the authentic BBC recordings of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and King George VI announcing the failure to keep peace, and that England is now at war.

Freud’s Last Session is a thoughtful challenge for us to consider what we believe – and why we believe it. The play runs til Aug. 23. For tickets, which do not include a meal, call 1-800-267-7553 or go to www.rosebudtheatre.com.