COURAGE

in times of crisis 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

An interdisciplinary dance theater science performance debate that aims to bring insight to the creation of a new prosperity premieres within the Political Symposium of the European Forum Alpbach on August 30th 9.30 am in the plenary session. It will also be live-streamed.

 

Good artists and good scientists are on a lifelong journey driven by curiosity – searching for truth – knowing that they are only part of a long truth-searching journey that will continue infinitely. On that journey, we reach out to the public – for instance, with articles, books and performances. But perhaps we could get to a new place if we reach out together. 

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That is the motivation behind the unprecedented interdisciplinary dance theater science performance debate involving artists, scientists, and two members of the Alpbach Laxenburg Group at the political symposium of the European Forum Alpbach: Let’s join hands and create a crossroad in our quest to understand the present and draw a path for the future. And shouldn’t politics take place at that crossroad of art and science? Shouldn’t policy take place at the intersection of science and humanities? 

Working with IIASA scientists this summer, including senior researchers and participants in the institute’s 2016 Young Scientists Summer Program, Gloria Benedikt combined art and science into a performance debate. The artistic cast will also include the Italian choreographer Mimmo Miccolis, and the Dutch composer Merlijn Twaalfhoven. They will be joined by H.E. Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland, Jonathan F. P. Rose, author and president of Jonathan Rose Companies, moderated by IIASA Director General Prof. Dr, Pavel Kabat. 

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The topic is “COURAGE in times of multiple interconnected crises.” How can we together tackle the pressing problems of our time: terrorism, inequality, climate change, the crisis of trust in democratic values? Is there a way out? How can we today say -”yes we can” - when so many of us are losing their hope? 

 

Detailed documentation is available here.