‘Einstein’ demonstrates theory of relativity for UNCP students

By Colleen Griffiths
Staff Writer

UNCP’s celebration of World Physics Year began with an appearance by Dr. Albert Einstein, played by Tom Schuch, at a one-man show in honor of the 100th anniversary of the theory of relativity at the Givens Performing Arts Center Oct. 10.

Schuch came dressed in Einstein's trademark gray suit, vest and tie, his hair imitating the physicist's wild white 'do.

"We must strive to work to our full potential," Schuch told the audience, speaking with Einstein's German accent.

In 1905 Einstein published three papers on physics that changed the way people looked at the world.

The first paper detailed the behavior of light energies, or quanta. The second paper explained the motion of molecules, and the third paper established the theory of relativity.

Einstein won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1921 "for his services to Theoretical Physics," according to Nobelprize.org.

"I only have one occupation, that of genius, and I perform it 24 hours a day," Schuch said as Einstein.

Schuch attempted to explain the theory of relativity on a large chalkboard on stage.

He pointed to various equations on the board, eagerly circling one equation and connecting it to another until it was impossible to tell one equation from another.

"There are only six people in the world who truly understand relativity, and I am not one of them," Schuch said, pointing at the board.

"Mathematics is not my best subject,” he said.

Schuch moved away from the board to stand on top of an old red carpet in the middle of the stage and tried a different approach with the audience.

Schulch’s explanation involved a football field, two goal posts and a train moving in a circle around the field. Schuch began turning in a circle on the carpet.

"The planet is constantly revolving, and how you see things depends on your position and whether you are moving."

He stopped turning and looked at the audience.

"That's relativity."