An exploration of the collaborative processes of making theatre inspired by science

Dowell, Ellen; Weitkamp, Emma

Abstract

This research examined the collaborative processes of making theatre inspired by science through the analysis of 16 semi-structured interviews with individual collaborators (eight theatre practitioners and eight scientists). Interviews explored experiences, including their motivations, working processes, challenges, learning and understanding. Roles of scientists in the collaboration ranged from expert advisor to equal creative collaborator. Factors affecting partnerships included curiosity for each other's practice, social interaction and mutual respect. The research suggests that scientists could be motivated to undertake 'Sci-Art' collaborations through personal interest, as well as previously identified motives such as encouragement from their department. The project also identified benefits to researchers from such collaborations, including developing new perspectives on their own practice. © The Author(s) 2011.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2012
• Deposit Date: Jul 26, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 10, 2016
• Journal: Public Understanding of Science
• Print ISSN: 0963-6625
• Electronic ISSN: 1361-6609
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 891-901
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0963662510394278
• Keywords: science communication, theatre, sci-art, drama
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/965175
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0963662510394278
• Related Public URLs: http://pus.sagepub.com/content/21/7/891.abstract
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Published online before print 23/02/11
• Contract Date: Feb 10, 2016