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Exploring "The Farnsworth Invention" by Aaron Sorkin

Aaron Sorkin's stage play 'The Farnsworth Invention' dramatizes the conflict between inventor Philo T. Farnsworth and RCA president David Sarnoff. It explores the creation of the first all-electronic television system, the legal battles over patents, and the impact of corporate power on independent innovation. The play reflects on the themes of technological progress, corporate ethics, and the recognition of pioneering work in the field of technology.

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1

______ is a play by ______ known for engaging dialogue and intricate plots, depicting the life of television inventor ______.

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The Farnsworth Invention Aaron Sorkin Philo T. Farnsworth

2

Original acquisition of 'The Farnsworth Invention' screenplay

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New Line Cinema acquired the screenplay in 2004, with Thomas Schlamme to direct.

3

Debut location of 'The Farnsworth Invention' stage play

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The stage play debuted at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 2005.

4

Main cast of 'The Farnsworth Invention' play

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Jimmi Simpson played Philo Farnsworth and Stephen Lang played David Sarnoff.

5

After a delay, "The Farnsworth Invention" opened at the ______ on ______.

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Music Box Theatre December 3, 2007

6

In the Broadway production, ______ took over the role of Sarnoff, as the original actor was occupied with the movie "Avatar."

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Hank Azaria

7

Jimmi Simpson's performance as Farnsworth in the play was highly praised and led to him receiving a ______.

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Theatre World Award

8

The Broadway performances of "The Farnsworth Invention" concluded on ______.

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March 2, 2008

9

In 2011, "The Farnsworth Invention" was staged in Australia at the ______ located in ______.

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New Theatre Newtown

10

Outcome of Farnsworth's patent lawsuit against RCA

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Farnsworth won the lawsuit and received compensation for his TV technology.

11

Farnsworth's career post-lawsuit

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Continued working in scientific research, not faded into obscurity.

12

Sorkin's dramatic license in the play

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Consolidated multiple lawsuits for dramatic effect, highlighting corporate dominance and inventor challenges.

13

The play 'The Farnsworth Invention' received ______ reviews, with some critics pointing out its lack of ______.

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mixed historical accuracy

14

While Ben Brantley from ______ had issues with the play's historical fidelity, Linda Winer from ______ praised its intellectual and humorous qualities.

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The New York Times Newsday

15

Clive Barnes, writing for the ______, felt the story might be better presented as a ______.

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New York Post film

16

Hedy Weiss of the ______ admired 'The Farnsworth Invention' for its emotional resonance and thought-provoking nature.

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Chicago Sun-Times

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Exploring "The Farnsworth Invention" by Aaron Sorkin

"The Farnsworth Invention" is a stage play by Aaron Sorkin, a writer renowned for his compelling dialogue and complex narratives. The play presents a dramatized account of the life of Philo T. Farnsworth, the young inventor who created the first fully functional all-electronic television system. It juxtaposes Farnsworth's story with that of David Sarnoff, the determined president of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), who is portrayed as having taken undue credit for Farnsworth's invention. The play delves into the legal and ethical confrontations between Farnsworth and Sarnoff, providing a window into the era of rapid technological advancement and intense corporate rivalry.
Vintage wooden television with unlit convex screen, two metal knobs for channels and volume, on slightly inclined legs.

From Screenplay to Stage

"The Farnsworth Invention" began as a screenplay acquired by New Line Cinema in 2004, with Thomas Schlamme set to direct. When plans for the film fell through, Aaron Sorkin adapted the screenplay into a stage play. Its debut occurred at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin in 2005, followed by a "page-to-stage" production at the La Jolla Playhouse in California. The play starred Jimmi Simpson as Philo Farnsworth and Stephen Lang as David Sarnoff, with additional musical compositions by Andrew Lippa to enrich the theatrical experience.

Broadway Premiere and Subsequent Productions

The Broadway premiere of "The Farnsworth Invention" was slated for November 2007 but was postponed due to a stagehand strike, eventually opening at the Music Box Theatre on December 3, 2007. Hank Azaria assumed the role of Sarnoff, replacing Lang who was committed to filming "Avatar." Despite the initial setback, the play garnered acclaim for its dynamic representation of historical events and Jimmi Simpson's portrayal of Farnsworth, which earned him a Theatre World Award. The Broadway run ended on March 2, 2008, and the play saw an Australian production in 2011 at the New Theatre in Newtown.

Fidelity to Historical Events

Although "The Farnsworth Invention" is rooted in historical fact, it employs dramatic license in its depiction of the legal disputes between Farnsworth and Sarnoff. Contrary to the play's implication that Farnsworth was defeated and faded into obscurity, he actually won his patent lawsuit against RCA and was compensated for his television technology, continuing to work in scientific research thereafter. Sorkin has acknowledged these alterations, stating that he consolidated several lawsuits into one for dramatic effect and to underscore themes of corporate dominance and the challenges faced by independent inventors.

Critical Analysis and Audience Reception

The critical reception of "The Farnsworth Invention" was mixed. Some reviewers, such as Ben Brantley of The New York Times, criticized the play for its deviation from historical accuracy, while others like Linda Winer of Newsday commended its intellectual sharpness and wit. Clive Barnes of the New York Post suggested that the material might be more suited to film. Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun-Times lauded the play for its emotional depth and capacity to provoke thought. Despite differing views, the play's examination of the interplay between media, technology, and ambition struck a chord with both audiences and critics.