The discovery of the double helix form of DNA was one of the most influential findings of the 20th century, aiding in the development and use of new techniques in biology.Surrounding this discovery is the story of scientists James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin, the men and woman most responsible for the discovery of the structure.
HopKins Black Box Theatre will present this story in a unique mix of science and art in “DNA Play,” running March 11-15, written by University biological sciences professor Vince LiCata.
“With ‘DNA Play,’ we’re trying to cross the line that has been drawn between science and the arts,” said Patricia Suchy, communication studies professor and director of the play. “For so long, there has been this division of the two cultures of art and science that don’t mesh.”
These two cultures and the division between them, as Suchy described it, has grown over the years, making it harder for the two to communicate and be seen together.In recent years, more science-based films and plays have been produced like “A Beautiful Mind” and “Proof,” which mix drama with scientific knowledge.
“Most scientific plays only mix a few pages of scientific fact into them — if you analyze the play,” LiCata said. “With ‘DNA Play,’ we are trying to present as much science as we can in an entertaining way.”LiCata, a self-described scientist-artist, has been writing plays for more than 15 years, recently collaborating with playwright Ping Chong for 2007’s “Cocktail.”Writing about what he knows, LiCata mixes his two loves, science and theatre, into his work.To prepare for this incorporation of science, the director and actors researched and studied the history behind the discovery of the double helix to better understand the key figures and how they worked together.For Casey Miller, who plays nine separate characters in the play, understanding the science and background of ‘DNA Play’ has allowed him to perform better.”We watched a lot of documentaries to better understand the characters, but having Vince there at rehearsals has allowed us to go straight to a source for the science,” said Miller, communication studies senior. “Vince has helped keep us in check with the authenticity.   After learning all this stuff, at least for me, there is more direction in this show than any other I’ve been in.”Directing the play was a challenge for Suchy too. While working on the production, Suchy wanted to retain as much science as she could.
“Having science portrayed accurately is a big challenge. A lot of times science is toned down,” Suchy said. “I had to find ways for the two languages — art and science — to communicate to each other.”To experiment with the mixture of science and art, the actors use a form of movement known as biomechanics, which involves exaggerated movement and dance to aid the dialogue.
“DNA Play” will start at 7:30 p.m. in the HopKins Black Box Theatre, located in 137 Coates Hall.
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Contact Jake Clapp at [email protected]