Events

Galileo and Brecht - A Panel Discussion

Technology, Culture and Society
Lecture / Panel
 
For NYU Community

In the years around World War II, Bertold Brecht, one of the 20th century's most innovative playwrights, turned his attention to the scientific revolution. His play "Life of Galileo" considers many important themes, such as scientific orthodoxy, the community of invention, and the purpose of scientific pursuits. In the midst of a fascist uprising, Brecht was also concerned about the role of art in society, so the play is fashioned as part of his "epic theater" that is determined to inspire curiosity in his audience.

This panel discussion considers the play in its scientific and cultural context:

  • "Brecht's Epic Theater as a Medium for Inquiry": Christopher Leslie, department of Technology, Culture and Society at NYU-Poly
  • "Galileo and the Telescope": Jonathan Bain, department of Technology, Culture and Society at NYU-Poly
  • "Church and Science in Brecht's Galileo": Karl Appuhn, department of History, College of Arts and Science

Moderator: Romualdas Sviedrys, department of Technology, Culture and Society at NYU-Poly

Refreshments will be served. RSVP to by March 1 to tcs@poly.edu so that we can get an accurate headcount for food. A limited number of tickets to see the play at Manhattan's Classic Stage Company on March 17 at 7:30 pm are available to Poly and NYU students. To sign up for a ticket, please e-mail tcs@poly.edu.