Flowers For Algernon

Flowers For Algernon is based on a short story by Daniel Keyes. Charlie, who has an IQ of 68, becomes the subject of an experiment to increase his intelligence. The experiment works but only for a limited time, and Charlie is faced with the knowledge that his new self-awareness and intelligence is draining away.Doctors have been experimenting on mice, trying to increase their intelligence. The star is Algernon, whose IQ has been increased threefold. This appears to be a permanent change with no side-effects so the doctors decide to experiment on a human being, Charlie. Again, the experiment seems to work and Charlie’s IQ increases rapidly to genius levels. This has some negative effects on him, however, as other people find it hard to adjust to his new personality. He loses his job at a bakery, where he had been very happy, because the other staff refuse to work with him anymore. He joins the staff at the hospital and works on his own experiment. Disaster strikes, however, when Algernon begins to show signs of regression and Charlie realises that his new found abilities are beginning to disappear. Ultimately, Algernon dies and Charlie, degenerating rapidly, is faced with spending the rest of his life in an institution, which he cannot accept.This is a very sad and thought-provoking play. With increasing life spans, more people are suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and are faced with issues similar to Charlie’s. He is happy in his original state even though people are making fun of him because he doesn’t realise that they are. Would it be better to leave him as he is? This production, by the Wellesley High School Drama Society, is well worth seeing. In particular, Michael Galligan gives an excellent performance as Charlie, both realistic and convincing.