If this blog has a theme, it is confusion. Sure, I do the odd review that makes grand statements about theatre, and throw around critical theories like a chimp chucking faeces, but I am determined that I perform my confusion in public: a kind of antidote to the shower of perfect lifestyle choices that serve for Facebook status updates.
If I am not confused, I am not paying attention.
If you fancy a critic who is more certain, try every print publication ever.
This week, I have seen a play that reminded me of theatre's immediacy, wit and power, and a play that made me worry that theatre is slipping slowly into a self-indulgent oblivion. But I am also interested in the Cambridge Science Festival's programme of Science Theatre: a musical about Darwin, a three-hander about Newton (which does not balk at Mr Gravity's religious beliefs) and a solo piece about OCD.
Although I have frequently found theatrical explorations of science to be either trivial or too dense (even the wonderful Plan B faltered in their attempt on quantum physics through dance, and the less said about Wayne McGregor's Wellcome Institute funded routines the better), the valiant desire to use theatre as a medium for public discussion of ideas is admirable.
Of course, the cinema likes to have a go at this, too: the controversial Oscar victory for that bloke who did Stephen Hawkings in The Theory of Everything, that one where Darwin got all upset about his dead daughter and developed the theory of Natural Selection between depressive bouts of grieving. However, these are usually self-conscious displays of intelligence by an industry that is usually too stupid to understand complex narrative techniques, and ends up being hagiography for the Big White Males of Science.
If these plays in Cambridge are any good, though, they can perform a dual service. They can remind theatre that it is a medium that can tell more intriguing stories than another bout of First World Problems. Then they can give audiences a taste of how science works, and offer up the ideas of Natural Selection et al for the iconic 'chat in the bar after'.
If science has any purpose other than being a badge of pride for people who once read half of a book by Richard Dawkins, then it could be a guide to thinking about the world around us.
If theatre had any purpose beyond providing work for languid graduates of the humanities, it could be as a vehicle for energising public debate.
For the second Science on Saturday 21 March, the Festival returns to the West Cambridge Site to present a range of mathematical and astronomical talks and events. The Cavendish Laboratory and the Institute for Manufacturing also open their doors for another exciting day of talks and exhibits, including hands-on physics, laser lab tours, a live demonstration of an invisibility cloak and the chance to make a watch from scratch.
The Science Festival concludes on Sunday 22 March. Following the success of last year’s journey from bench to bedside, the Festival returns to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus to stage a packed day of all things medical, including hands-on activities and talks by leading medical research scientists. Highlights include a discussion of the power of science in popular culture by actor, Stephen McGann, the doctor on BBC’s Call the Midwife. There will be a panel discussion concerned with how heath records have the power to transform treatments – in spite of the recent headline about the perils of data sharing. Visitors will also have the opportunity to look behind the scenes and discover what makes Cambridge University Hospital tick with an extensive choice of interactive activities including the opportunity to have a go at keyhole surgery.
Commenting on this year’s Festival, Dr Lucinda Spokes,
Cambridge Science Festival Coordinator said: “Every year, the Science Festival grows in both size and popularity and this year is no exception. We’re delighted to host yet another Festival that promises to be a spectacular presentation of scientific ideas and discoveries. As ever, the calibre of speakers and the quality of the events showcasing the latest in scientific research to the public is outstanding.
“This year, we are lucky to have a remarkable line up of speakers, including Professor Frank Wilczek from MIT; TV presenter, Dr Chris van Tulleken; seven of the new Fellows of the Royal Society; Professor Dame Carol Black; the Astronomer Royal, Professor Sir Martin Rees; Professor Sir Colin Humphreys; author, journalist and TV presenter, Simon Singh; comedian Robin Ince; and science songstress Helen Arney.
“In addition to the talks, debates, exhibits and activities, we have a mix of science comedy, theatrical performance and art exhibitions, which are sure to delight people of all ages.
“We very much look forward to welcoming both our regular visitors and new audiences and hope that everyone thoroughly enjoys this year’s Science Festival.”
