Disseminating Science through Theatre

The project “Outreach through Theatre: Barbara McClintock, Life and Science” is a project funded by FECYT (FCT-22-17955) awarded to CRAG, IRTA, and the Higher School of Dramatic Arts (ESAD) in Córdoba, led by Ana Montserrat Martín-Hernández, IRTA researcher at CRAG. Its main goal is to use the performing arts for outreach and informal education, aiming to promote knowledge and interest in science and foster scientific vocations, with a special emphasis on young people.

The project involves creating a theatrical play based on the life of scientist Barbara McClintock, as well as developing educational materials to create a pedagogical kit that will be distributed to schools, community centers, amateur theater groups, etc., so that the play can be performed and reach a broader audience.

But who is Barbara McClintock?

This two-year project is divided into different phases:

1 - Dramatic Writing Workshops

The first Dramatic Writing Workshops for Scientific Outreach took place from November 13 to 17, 2023. These workshops combined scientific aspects with theatrical concepts, creating a strong connection between ESAD students, participating scientists, and the facilitators, Montse Martín (CRAG), Salvador García (ESAD), and Eduardo Chivite (ESAD). The outcome of these dramatic writing workshops was a collaborative text that will be performed in the final play.

You can watch a video about the first Dramatic Writing Workshops for Scientific Outreach here.

2 - Dramatized Reading "The Jumping Genes Revolution"

On the other hand, the first presentation of this text to the public took place at the Centre Cívic Vil·la Urània, in a dramatized reading in Barcelona on April 27, 2024. There, the initial interpretations of the text and the various characters involved in the scientist's life were showcased. The event also included a discussion and a questionnaire to gather impressions and receive feedback from the audience.

You can see a summary of this reading at this link.

3 - Premiere

Currently, the entire team of professionals involved in this project is working hard to refine the script, prepare audiovisual supports, props, and everything necessary for the official premiere of the play in the spring of 2025.

4 - Pedagogical Kit

Once the play is presented, this project will be offered as a pedagogical kit, an educational resource with various materials designed to facilitate learning and teaching about the play's theme. Here we will provide the link for anyone interested to download this material.

In collaboration with:

Funded by: