The international conference Theatre about Science intends to map and reflect upon intersections of theatre and science, promote exchange and enlarge the knowledge on the field, trace the evolution of previous trends and identify new types of crossovers. One additional perspective guiding this event is to promote the encounter of the artistic and the science communication worlds.
The 2021 and 2023 editions created a strong feeling of belonging among the conference participants, which laid the foundation for building a network of people who work and/or are interested in blending theatre with science, or vice versa. On its third edition, the conference continues to instigate and welcome both sides of this equation, provoking fruitful discussions and eventually enlightening multiple motivations and perspectives.
We invite you to come and join this community by submitting a proposal for the 2025 edition. Visit the website and discover how to participate!
The founding objectives of the conference remain unchanged:
— Map and reflect upon theatre and science intersections around the globe;
— Promote, exchange and enlarge the knowledge on this field;
— Trace the evolution of previous trends and identify new types of intersections;
— Stimulate encounters between the artistic and the science communication worlds.
The intersections of Science and Theatre can acquire multiple forms, address a myriad of subjects, touch several audiences, use varied spaces and venues or pertain to different contexts. Merging all these possibilities together is the intermingling of theatrical and scientific languages, techniques, subjects, concepts, individuals, institutions, methodologies, spaces, systems or ideas.
We welcome contributions on subjects such as:
— Theatre about scientific subjects and concepts
— Theatrical subgenres and forms
— Contemporary practice in theatre about science
— Theatre and the History of Science
— Future trends in theatre about science
— Theatrical research processes vs scientific research processes
— Theatre in the training of scientific researchers
— Funding in the arts and in science
— Communicating science with theatre
— Theatre on scientific stages
That may address questions such as:
— Can theatre help solve scientific problems?
— Does scientific knowledge transform theatre?
— What kinds of audiences for science in performance?
— Does theatre make sense in science communication?
— What kind of knowledge about science can theatre add?
— Can theatre transform the ways scientists perform their research?
— How does theatre engage with public debates about science and scientific developments?
— Can theatre inspire new scientific research?
— Where are the boundaries between communicating science and performing science?
Accepted formats:
— Oral presentation on one of the themes of the conference (15 minutes).
— Workshop related to the themes of the conference (max. 90 minutes).
— Short performance related to the themes of the conference (max. 30 minutes).
Abstracts:
— Submissions should be in English.
— Between 300 and 400 words.
Relevant dates:
— Deadline for proposals submission: by 21 February 2025
— Notification of acceptance: by 28 April 2025
Scientific Committee
Andrea Brunello (IT), Carla Almeida (PT), Carlos Fiolhais (PT), Daniel Abdalla (UK), Daniel Gamito-Marques (PT),Emma Weitkamp (UK), Joana Lobo Antunes (PT), Liliane Campos (FR), Paul Johnson (UK),Simon Parry (UK), Steve Abbott (USA), Teresa Girão (PT)
Keynote Speakers
Alexandra Mermikides (UK), Elisabeth Bouchaud (FR)
Organising Committee
Ana Santos Carvalho, Clara Barata, Fernando Matos Oliveira, Francisca Moreira, Mário Montenegro, Natacha Perpétuo, Sara Varela Amaral, Silvia Carballo
Organising Institutions
Marionet, Gil Vicente Academic Theatre, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research of the University of Coimbra, Centre for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies
In partnership with
Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the University of Coimbra, Rómulo – Centro Ciência, Portuguese Network of Science and Technology Communication
With the support of
Portuguese Republic — Culture / Directorate-General for the Arts, Coimbra City Council
