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A dramatic experiment: science on stage
A Royal Shakespeare Company event, in partnership with the Royal Society
Why does the story of a scientist, or topic of science itself, make for a compelling theatrical production?
Our panel discussed why science stories continue to attract and intrigue writers and directors, and the claim that such plays oversimplify scientific theory in the pursuit of an accessible and dramatic narrative. We heard from Tom Morton-Smith, writer of the critically acclaimed RSC production Oppenheimer, Professor John D. Barrow FRS, a cosmologist and playwright, Dr Kirsten Shepherd-Barr, a scholar of science in the theatre, Professor Marcus du Sautoy OBE, broadcaster, writer and science communicator.
Chaired by Erica Whyman OBE, Deputy Artistic Director at the Royal Shakespeare Company.