Tom Robertson

Napoleon vs. the Turk, When the Master Warrior Met the Master Machine Tom Robertson

Napoleon Vs. the Turk is an exciting minute-by-minute drama loosely based on the real Turk and its match against Napoleon. It was first performed at the 2006 Toronto Fringe Festival, directed by Luke Davies.
1809. Napoleon Bonaparte has invaded Austria and is working out a treaty at Schönbruun Palace. Also visiting Schönbruun is The Turk, a mechanical man seemingly able to play chess and defeat many seasoned players.

Napoleon, a chess enthusiast, challenges the Turk to a game. But as Johann Nepomuk Maelzel, the last steward of the famous Turk, drunkenly recalls, all is not what it seems.

Before the match, Maelzel feuds with his love, Lotte, who wants to stop the match and for Maelzel to give up the Turk. Meanwhile, the brilliant chess player Allgaier matches wits with defeated Austrian general Sterzl, in a conflict that could spell disaster for Napoleon and Maelzel.