January 23, 2004, Hour One: Science on Stage

Science Friday > Archives > 2004 > January > January 23, 2004:
Hour One: Science on Stage

From "Proof" to "Copenhagen," plays starring science have met with critical acclaim. But what makes for a good science drama? Does it take a genius scientist? A breakthrough scientific concept? Or should the science take a backseat to human emotions and conflicts?

In this hour, we'll look at how science is being brought to the stage. Have we moved beyond the stereotype of the crazy-haired professor? Plus, we'll hear songs from two science musicals: "Fermat's Last Tango" and "Einstein's Dreams."

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Guests:
Brian Schwartz
Vice President for Research, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York
Professor, Department of Physics
Director, Science and the Arts
New York, New York

Arthur Giron
Playwright, "Moving Bodies"
New York, New York

Joshua Rosenblum
Pianist, Conductor
Composer and Co-Lyricist, "Fermat's Last Tango," "Einstein's Dreams"
New York, New York

J. Holtham
Program Director, EST/Sloan Project
Ensemble Studio Theatre
New York, New York

Tom Beckett, singer: "Love is not a Science"
Michael McCoy, singer: "Love is not a Science"
Edwardyne Cowan, singer: "Math Widow"

This segment produced by Annette Heist

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