Bob Weick’s performance as Karl Marx in the play Marx in Soho, by Howard Zinn, shines a light on the man behind the controversial ideas and shows how relevant his ideas are in our world today. Communism is associated with either corrupt leaders or tumultuous times in history. Marx is thought of as a madman, who should be feared because of his radical views. Weick shatters this stereotype and shows a different side of Marx. His concern as a father is clear as he introduces his three children. He promotes his thoughts because he believes they will allow his children to have a better life. His adoration for his wife is evident as he lovingly recalls her endless support of his work. Most importantly, he shows his humbleness as he regrets his infidelity and his inability to provide for his family. He is not this untouchable figure who thinks he is superior to everyone. Marx is only a person who wants to the world to reach its full potential.

This play forces the audience to confront reality and see the validity in Marx’s view: that capitalism is killing society with its voracious appetite for more. Some disregard his ideas because they fail to see how applicable they are in our world. However, his ideology may have even more truth now than it did when he wrote it. Those who hold all the money and power are few and far between. The majority works for the advancement of the minority and receive very little in return. The solution to this fraudulent system seems easy yet we have been brainwashed into thinking there is no necessity for a solution. Thus, Weick preaches these ideas in the hopes of provoking a response from the audience and helping them discover the root problem.