Geology professor Bruce Fouke talked about the organisms that live in the geothermal waters of Yellowstone National Park chemistry professor Martin Gruebele explained how sound can help us understand biomolecular processes biochemist Emad Tajkhorshid discussed cell membranes and coronavirus and biophysics researcher Melih Sener explained photosynthesis. The group held four workshops to develop the piece that included hearing from scientists from across campus. “It explores regathering across all these terrains – within cells, communities and galaxies.” “It’s a journey through time, from the microscopic to the human to the astronomical,” Vishveshwara said. The Krannert Center performance is the first iteration of this new work. The production uses the performing and visual arts to explore concepts of quantum physics, biochemistry, geology and astronomy. “The Joy of Regathering” is a similar art-science confluence and an even more ambitious project, Vishveshwara and Bright said. Vishveshwara and Bright created “Quantum Voyages,” a 2018 performance piece explaining the basic concepts of quantum physics that debuted at physics professor and Nobel laureate Anthony Leggett’s 80th birthday celebration, and “Quantum Rhapsodies,” a more elaborate 2019 production performed at the Beckman Institute that explored revolutionary ideas in quantum physics and the role they play in technology and that included music performed by the Jupiter String Quartet. The performance was created by physics professor Smitha Vishveshwara, theatre professor Latrelle Bright, music professor Stephen Andrew Taylor, dance professor Rebecca Nettl-Fiol and chemistry professor and former head of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology Jeffrey Moore, with input from collaborators in various arts and sciences disciplines across campus.

The recurring theme of the piece is coming together after a long separation – represented in many ways, including in people coming together after the shutdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. 17 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The world premiere of “ The Joy of Regathering” is Sept. An interdisciplinary performance combining science, music and movement will explore humanity’s place in the universe, ranging from the microscopic level to the expanse of the cosmos.

Merging photos together people