Featured Presenter: Gavin Polhemus
Gavin Polhemus
Gavin Polhemus will take you behind-the-scenes to learn a little bit about the quantum mechanics in Constellations. Quantum Mechanics is the accepted theory of all small things, and since big things are made of small things, quantum mechanics is a fact of life for all of us. The role of quantum mechanics in our lives has excited the public imagination and confounded physicists for over a century. Recently, new insights have renewed interest in the foundations of quantum mechanics, both inside and outside the physics community. For the character Marianne, these insights provided both intellectual excitement and emotional comfort. You don’t have to be a quantum cosmologist to gain a new perspective!
An early encounter with the theory of relativity sparked Gavin’s curiosity about the Universe, leading him to Stanford for a B.S. and then The University of Chicago for a Ph.D., both in Physics. As a tutor and a teaching assistant he discovered that teaching is the perfect complement to learning. He has actively engaged in both ever since. His research interests have focused on quantum aspects of black holes. He has taught physics and math at many levels, from post-graduate to elementary, including Poudre High School and Liberty Common High School. He is currently writing a high school physics textbook. Equally excited to discuss string theory with professors or experiment with magnets among kindergartners, Gavin is always looking for ways to help others cultivate their own curiosity.
Join us after the Constellations performances Friday, March 6 and Friday, March 20 to hear what Gavin has to say!
Constellations
By Nick Payne
Directed by Natalie Scarlett
Playing February 28 – March 21, 2020
“Who knew that higher physics could be so sexy, so accessible – and so emotionally devastating?” –The New York Times
A physicist and a beekeeper meet at a party. They hit it off and go for a drink. Or perhaps they don’t. Perhaps she is engaged to someone else, perhaps he is. Maybe she breaks his heart, maybe he breaks hers. Even in quantum parallel universes, in which every possibility exists, love stings like a bee. Time, it turns out, is a more effective breaker of hearts than human beings. Written in the stars, Constellations is an immersive multi-media banquet presented in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater in collaboration with the Museum of Discovery.
Playing at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery – 408 Mason Court
