Science through Theater Arts

The physical and life sciences, and the performing arts are two areas of study that are not often grouped in the same sentence, let alone in the same project. However, several projects around the world have been created with the intent of bridging the theoretical gap between left and right brain, and teaching scientific material through theatrical means.

“Mind the Gap”, a theater piece developed and produced by Y-Touring Theatre Company explores the complicated world of memory and brain research. The description from the British Science Association’s website is as follows: “Three disparate people find themselves stranded on a deserted platform of an underground station…together on platform 2B these four minds are compelled to confront the devastating nature of Alzheimer's disease, the agony that is post traumatic stress and just what it is that could drive someone to kill at random”

An intriguing topic for theater buffs and medical school students alike, the play brings together two deviating disciplines and showcases the importance of both. The novelty and significance of conveying science through performance art is put exquisitely by Nigel Townsend, Artistic Director of Y-Touring: “’We always believed that strong drama could not only affect people emotionally but help them to understand new ideas and think about complex issues.” This statement, while short and simple, truly captures what science through theater can accomplish. Theater has always been a means of affecting people on various levels of psyche and emotional state, and the sciences are an essential part of learning and life; using theater as a teaching tool to convey important information in a way that not only lectures and informs, but has the power to deeply affect and intrigue minds from various backgrounds and disciplines, is a brilliant and exciting idea that should be continued through future projects.

Science through theater has been around for quite some time and will indeed continue into the future. While not all of the projects appear to be as thought provoking as “Mind the Gap”, several projects such as Carpenter Science Theatre Company (http://www.smv.org/livetheater.html) and “Science Live”, Minnesota (http://www.smm.org/sciencelive/) take advantage of theatrical science education as well. By using live demonstration, colorful characters and fanciful plotlines, children are able to equate essential scientific concepts and methods with excitement and fun. Whether through edifying performance , whimsical children’s show, or some combination of the two, science through theater arts has proven to be, and will remain, a beneficial and exciting use of performance arts for successful didactic endeavors.