Suffolk Reporter

Climate research and researchers are the inspiration for this year’s iteration of Science on Stage, a creative blend of scientific research and theater at Stony Brook University.

The event features three short, one-act plays inspired by Stony Brook research or researchers, written by professional playwrights, and performed by professional actors. This year, the event will be expanded to open with the premiere of a composition for youth chamber ensemble.

Science on Stage will begin promptly at 4 pm on Monday, October 28, at the Staller Recital Hall. Doors will open at 3:30 pm. The performance is free and open to the public, but reservations are strongly recommended.

“The Collaborative for the Earth is all about breaking down barriers and fostering a community of creative problem solvers,” said Heather Lynch, director of the Stony Brook Collaborative for the Earth, this year’s sponsor, and IACS endowed chair for ecology and evolution. “What better way to stimulate these important conversations than by bringing together art, music and science in an event that all members of our Stony Brook community can enjoy.”

This is the third time Science on Stage will be performed at Stony Brook. Each year, the event has shined a spotlight on different university researchers and research projects by pairing them with professional playwrights.

The staged readings will be directed by Logan Vaughn, an award-winning New York-based writer and director of theater and film.

Before the plays, the performance will open with the debut of a piece by Margaret Schedel, professor of music, entitled “Carnival of the Endangered Animals.” The piece was commissioned by Lynch with funds from the Collaborative for the Earth and her Pew Marine Conservation Fellowship. Some of Long Island’s top high school musicians will be assembled specifically to perform. Inspired by Camille Saint-Saens’ “Carnival of the Animals,” Schedel composed the piece in part using artificial intelligence to mimic the sounds of various endangered animals.

Science on Stage will end with a panel conversation between the playwrights and scientists about their creative process, collaboration, and value of these kinds of interdisciplinary projects.

The project is led by Ken Weitzman, associate professor in the Department of English and affiliated faculty with the Alda Center for Communicating Science and Theatre Arts. Weitzman has spearheaded efforts to produce Science on Stage this year as well as its 2023 and 2020 iterations.

Reserve a seat