01 THE BLACKBOARD 8:49 this morning The dew of morning still glistens on the salt grass that grows along the foundation of the old Lighthouse. It isn’t in active service anymore, but has been renovated to serve as a private dwelling. High in the tower inside, a young man is slumped on the floor in the corner of the room, apparently in some kind of trance. Someone has put a blanket over him. He is deathly pale, but the steady, almost imperceptible rise and fall of his chest shows that he still clings to life. Standing next to him are young woman and an older man. Both are obviously shocked and distressed. Their frequent glances toward the door give the impression that they’re waiting for someone who is yet to arrive. On the wall next to them is a blackboard covered with impenetrable piece of paper – it appears to be a note scribbled in haste by an unsteady hand. What follows here is the story of what happened.
Teacher: Will we ever understand This complex genius This visionary thinker
Will we ever get this close again Uniting the forces of our universe
Girl: Will we ever understand His isolation Or his sense of wonder
We will never get this close again It’s been to long… I think he’s gone
02 THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING part 1 11 years earlier The Father, a brilliant scientist, has devoted his life to finding the Theory of Everything, the equation that will fully explain and unite all physical forces of the universe. He’s obsessively working day and night, unaware that his wife and introverted son need far more attention than he has been giving them. The Mother has always supported her husband’s scientific pursuits, but the strain of dealing with their asocial child’s special needs has worn her down to the point of desperation. Flute: Jeroen Goossens, Piano: Rick Wakeman
Father: I’m so close to the answer A dazzling symphony of cosmic strings I feel the pulse, vibrating just out of reach The music of space
One single master equation Unification of the great and small I hear the notes, but the arrangement is wrong I’m starting to doubt, but I can’t give up now I’m so near
Mother: Can’t you see that I need you out here And what about our boy? I think he’s got something to give What secrets lie… beyond these hollow eyes
Father: I’m sorry you feel neglected But it’s clear that you don’t understand I’m aware and I want to be there I just need some more time, for the answer is blindingly near Mother: Are you trying to drive us away? Just when we need you most You might find he’s got something to give What secrets lie beyond these eyes?
03 PATTERNS (instrumental) The son is so withdrawn because his mind is overwhelmed by analyzing the chaotic stimuli of the world around him, and the mathematical patterns he sees in everything – even in nature. His brain seems to operate on a completely different level than other people’s. There is something very special about him, indeed. Violing: Ben Mathot
04 THE PRODIGY’S WORLD The Mother is determined to connect with the Prodigy, but he is completely unresponsive. He is simly incapable of relating to her emotionally, even though on some level he wants to Mother: Talk to me Prodigy: I know you’re there But I won’t see you I hear your voice But it can’t reach me Mother: Let me in Prodigy: It all seems to trivial In the scheme of things
Prodigy: Patterns emerge in nature’s dance Numbers are born in the wheel of chance Why do I see this? What does it mean to me?
A grand design in all its majesty Vibrating strings, quantum gravity Why was I chosen? What does it mean to me? Tell me why!
05 THE TEACHER’S DISCOVERY 7 years ago As the students work on a test in science class, a gust of wind from the open window blows a paper full of math equations off the Teacher’s desk. Unnoticed by the teacher, it