Science in a (lecture) theatre, science in the theatre...
Li Kim Lee
Monday, 16 April 2007 17:58 UTC
I have been posting events to the Nature Network London events list (part of my job!)... and find that most of them take the traditional form of a one-way lecture, presumably with a slideshow, followed by a Q & A session. This is possibly the best way of communicating scientific research to scientists in an academic setting.
However public science events which are less formal can take other formats and appeal to a broad audience range:
debates/discussions that encouraging dialogue between the invited speakers and amongst audience members during the event such as
• the Dana Centre events
• Pecha Kucha i.e. 20 timed slides shown for 20 seconds each with networking over drinks afterwards
• stage plays e.g. The Life of Galileo or a more interactive one e.g. Faust involving moving through the event space and interaction with the actors… not a science event though
• scientific walking tours through an exhibition space or the city
• user experience involving other senses: smellings, tastings, touching
• events in virtual venues, through Second Life
• workshops that require the audience to participate by using computers, video game consoles, touch screens, etc.
Additionally, it may be just my opinion but practicing scientists are really busy people and quite reluctant to travel (far), so taking science to the venues where they are would help.
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Replies
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Interesting post, Li-Kim. If a play on a scitntific theme is successful in one venue, then touring is another way in which the word can spread, as we saw for example with Copenhagen, which opened in London but has toured the world since (and is still doing).
Perhaps the reverse could happen, too. As a London resident I was disappointed to learn that a new play for which a News Feature in Nature by Julie Clayton formed the inspiration is set to open in Baton Rouge.
The play is about the life and work of Krisana Kraisintu, by Vince LiCata and Ping Chong. They think that this is the first ever professionally produced play co-authored by a scientist and a theatre artist. The premiere is at Swine Palace Theater here in Baton Rouge and will run till May 6. Krisana will fly to Baton Rouge to see the play (during the second week of its run). She will be a “Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecturer” and will give talks on her work.
So, if anyone is visiting Baton Rouge in the next couple of weeks, do go along to this performance, which sounds fascinating. The theatre’s website is here, and Julie’s Nature article (vol 430, pp 136-137; 2004) is here
I hope it might transfer to London! -
BBC Radio 4 is currently running a series of 4 science plays, which are available on listen again for a week after broadcast.
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