Inexplicable Acts
6 February 2009
With a line-up that includes a contortionist who squeezes into a Perspex box the size of a bedside cabinet, a headless woman, a sword-swallower and light jugglers, you may think you are coming to an evening at the circus. However, 'Inexplicable Acts' is a series of jaw-dropping, but also informative, performances that will take place at Wellcome Collection on London's Euston Road.
Throughout the events, Professor of Psychology Richard Wiseman, from the University of Hertfordshire, will work with leading experts to reveal the science behind these remarkable performances, exploring the anatomical wonders of contortion, the physiological secrets of sword-swallowing, and how the brain controls hand-eye coordination in pitch darkness.
During the final panel discussion, Professor Wiseman will be joined by Vanessa Toulmin, Director of the National Fairground Archive, and sideshow impresario Jon Marshall, to discuss the social history of the more curious side of show business.
Professor Wiseman explains: "Visitors to Wellcome Collection will be able to combine witnessing some breathtaking live acts with a rare opportunity to learn about and discuss the science behind them. We are pleased to be joined by a line-up of top performers, which includes US champion sword-swallower Dan Meyer, contortionist Delia Du Sol and juggling duo Feeding the Fish."
Lisa Jamieson, Events Manager at Wellcome Collection, explains: "For three Thursday evenings Wellcome Collection will become a hub of weird and wonderful performances geared to amaze and intrigue those who want to know more about the methods behind the acts and how our understanding of them has changed over time."
Full event details
All events are free but tickets must be booked in advance.
Visit the Wellcome Collection website or call 020 7611 2222 to book.
Revealing Delia: The absurd science of contortion
Thursday 12 February, 19.00-20.00 and 20.30-21.30
Ever wondered what happens inside a contortionist's twisted body? Come along and see Delia Du Sol bend her body into seemingly impossible shapes and then squeeze into a tiny Perspex box. Richard Wiseman will guide the audience through the science behind her feats and reveal the anatomical secrets of her astonishing act.
Extreme Coordination: The science of juggling
Thursday 19 February, 19.00-20.00 and 20.30-21.30
How do jugglers manage to keep seemingly impossible numbers of balls and clubs flying through the air? Watch as internationally renowned juggling duo Feeding the Fish demonstrate their remarkable twist on this centuries-old art form, as they perform with self-illuminating clubs in complete darkness. Richard Wiseman will carry out live experiments to unpack the science behind such seemingly superhuman feats of coordination.
Up to the Hilt: The science of sword-swallowing
Thursday 26 February, 19.00-20.00 and 20.30-21.30
How do sword-swallowers manage to insert solid blades of steel deep into their bodies? Join us as American sword-swallower Dan Meyer demonstrates his amazing and dangerous feats. Brian Witcombe will explain the risks involved and Hugh Barr will use an endoscope to reveal the physiological quirks that make this act a reality. Richard Wiseman will compere and interview Dan about the daredevil mindset.
Step Right Up: The science and social history of the sideshow
Saturday 28 February, 14.00-16.00
From fire-eaters to knife-throwers, acrobats to snake-charmers and conjoined twins to bearded ladies, the sideshow was once a highly popular form of entertainment. But was there more to the acts than met the eye, and why has the genre faded away? Join our guests for a discussion about the more peculiar side of show business.
Speakers
- Jon Marshall, sideshow impresario.
- Vanessa Toulmin, Director of the National Fairground Archive, University of Sheffield.
- Richard Wiseman, Professor of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire.
Notes to editors
For images, interview requests or further information contact:
Mike Findlay
Wellcome Collection Media Officer
T 020 7611 8612
E
m.findlay@wellcome.ac.uk
The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending over £600 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing.
Wellcome Collection
The Wellcome Trust's former headquarters, the Wellcome Building on London's Euston Road, has been redesigned by Hopkins Architects to become a new £30 million public venue. Free to all,
Wellcome Collection explores the connections between medicine, life and art in the past, present and future. The building comprises three galleries, a public events space, the Wellcome Library, a café, a bookshop, conference facilities and a members' club.
Wellcome Collection is free and open seven days a week. The galleries are open 10.00-18.00 Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00-17.00 on Sunday. The galleries are closed on Monday and open until 22.00 on Thursday.
Professor Richard Wiseman started his working life as an award-winning magician and was one of the country¹s youngest members of The Magic Circle. Professor Wiseman has carried out research into a range of unusual psychological topics, including love, luck and laughter. He has written more than 60 academic articles and several books, including the best selling ‘The Luck Factor’ and ‘Quirkology’. He is in constant demand as a business speaker and has given several high-profile public talks at The Royal Institution, The Royal Society and The Royal Television Society. Professor Wiseman regularly appears in the media, including appearances on BBC2’s ‘Horizon’, BBC1’s ‘The Human Mind’, and Radio 4’s ‘Start the Week’, ‘Midweek’ and ‘The Today Programme’.