Performance and Science – Interim Event 2018

Full Name: Alex Mermikides

Venue and Date: Jodrell Bank Observatory, University of Manchester on Friday 20 April 2018

What were the main points that emerged from your interim event this year?
Our interim event took place at the Jodrell Bank Observatory, University of Manchester, on Friday 20 April 2018 12.30-4.30pm. The Observatory is home to the giant Lovell Telescope, a potent and iconic symbol of our attempts to see and understand the cosmos, and so a resonant setting within which to explore questions of scale and visuality across performance and science. As well as a tour of the facility, we enjoyed provocations from Dr Paul Johnson (University of Wolverhampton and author of Quantum Theatre), Dr Alex Kelly (Third Angel Artistic Director, currently touring 600 People, his show about astrophysics) and astrophysicist Rene Breton (Jodrell Bank, University of Manchester). A discussion point was whether theatre could change the way we look at science and how it presents a creative challenge to performance. We also discussed ideas of belief, faith, and truth for the scientist/audience/artist. Might not knowing or failing to understand things, or failure to communicate ideas, be productive in some way? The group considered perceptions of science in cultural narratives and the most dominant forms of theatrical representation about it that focus on the figure of the scientist or a scientific idea to be demonstrated. How do we understand the implications of the ‘oh wow’ or ‘oh shit’ moment?

Types of contributions (papers, performances, workshops, etc.)
Three short provocations and open discussion

Number of Delegates: 9

How many were new to TaPRA? 4

Did you have any non-UK participants? No

Any additional points or feedback not covered above?

Overall budget awarded: £560

Amount spent: £234.40

Breakdown of costs: