Engineers Explore the Future Through Theatre
Published: 27 November 2017
This December, Glasgow engineers will explore the past, present and future of engineering through an innovative new theatre show, ‘Imagineer’, produced by Glasgow Science Festival and funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
This December, Glasgow engineers will explore the past, present and future of engineering through an innovative new theatre show, ‘Imagineer’, produced by Glasgow Science Festival and funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Blending comedy, music and film, ‘Imagineer’ celebrates Scotland’s rich engineering heritage, including James Watt’s epiphany on Glasgow Green which led to the invention of the separate steam condenser, kickstarting the industrial revolution. In a field that continues to be dominated by men, the show sheds a light on engineering heroes like Dorothee Pullinger, whose pioneering designs, like the Galloway car, empowered women.
To demonstrate the diversity and ubiquity of engineering in our day-to-day lives, the ‘Imagineer’ team created a zany music video.
The lyrics were inspired by conversations with engineers from the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde and University of the West of Scotland.
‘Imagineer’ will also provoke discussion around ethics of engineering and technology. Will robots take over the world? Are we doomed to global warming? Will humans colonise Mars?
Key ideas
Professor Colin McInnes, James Watt Chair at the University of Glasgow said: “Theatre has proved to be a great medium to explore a range of key ideas on the impact of engineering and engineers on society - indeed it’s key that engineers engage with the public to help co-create our common future.”
In this spirit of co-creation, ‘Imagineer’ will invite audiences to share their engineering and invention dreams for the future. These ideas will be integrated into the performance and form the basis for a panel discussion led by University of Glasgow engineers, following the show.
Dr Zara Gladman, Public Engagement Co-ordinator for Glasgow Science Festival said: “I’ve had a brilliant time developing this show in collaboration with engineers and our creative team. The innovation and diversity of engineering across Glasgow is impressive, from developing Mars rovers to cutting-edge medical devices that are already changing lives. We’re excited to share this with audiences this December – and I’m interested to hear public views on how engineering might shape our future!”
More than 1,000 school pupils from Glasgow and beyond have already booked in to see the show.
One general public performance will take place on Friday 8 December at 7pm, Boyd Orr Building, University of Glasgow.
Tickets are free and can be booked online at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/imagineer-tickets-38493012637
For more information on the ‘Imagineer’ project, please visit: www.glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk
First published: 27 November 2017
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