Science isn't exactly the first association most people have with an Off-Broadway show. But that's part of the appeal of That Physics Show. The classroom can be wherever you find yourself, even in the audience at a theater on 43rd St. Star Dave Maiullo answered my questions via email.
Where'd the idea for the show come from? I know you've been an educator in the past. Is this just a different venue to teach your lessons?
Maiullo: In many ways, the idea to use physics demonstrations to educate and entertain the public really originated (in modern times) with Michael Faraday and his presentations at the Royal Society in London where he gave a series of Christmas lectures from 1827-1860.
When I started at Rutgers University 30 years ago, it took me about 5-10 years to develop a collection of physics demonstrations which could also be used in the same fashion. Then I started taking the physics demonstrations out of the classroom and started doing public shows at schools, libraries, street fairs, and senior centers.
It took a bit of time to develop a stage presence and knowledge of how to present the demos to the public in an educational and exciting fashion, but in about 5 years we were doing many successful shows at Rutgers and in the surrounding area. Eric Krebs, our Producer, saw one of my presentations around that time, and quickly realized it would also be great to do as theater piece for off-Broadway.
Although it took us 15 years to bring his vision to fruition, in the interim I became much more polished as a presenter and demonstrator, and this helped our show be successful when we first brought it tho the NYC stage. Yes, it is a different venue to teach in, but in some ways I don't worry about them learning the little particulars as much as they need to do in the classroom, but just gain an understand some general physics principles. It's also a great way to get them to think about the world around them and tear away their fear of physics, which seems to be pretty inherent in many people. Instead, show them the beauty and universality of physics.
It's a show that seems to reach people of all ages. When you designed the show, did you have kids in mind, or adults, or some combination?
Maiullo: When I first started doing shows, it seemed to be great way to have children become engaged in science. The idea of STEM education (Science, Technology Engineering and Math) as an important component in reaching and inspiring school children to pursue careers in the sciences was in it's infancy, and our physics shows dovetailed nicely into this niche. However, I quickly realized that adults loved the shows too! This led me to reach out to libraries, senior centers, and street fairs, where our audience was cross section of ages and not just children. About six years ago I started doing shows in bars and places like Coney island in NYC, and they were also very successful. Everyone loves and is entertained by a fun and fantastic physics demonstration, I realized.
The action is fast. You squeeze a lot into 90 minutes. How much science do you expect people take home with them?
Maiullo: Although I'd love it if they could all pass a physics exam by the end of the show, I realize that may never be possible. I really just want them to gain an understanding of some physics and to develop an appreciation and general understanding of the way physics is "all around them" and the bedrock of so many things they are already engaged in doing. Perhaps also make them think about things like a scientist would, ask "Why?" when they see something, not to just accept everything.
What's your favorite experiment you conduct? And what's the one that seems to resonate most with your audiences?
Maiullo: Two of our demos really capture the wonder of physics and excite people the most on a consistent basis, the Smoke Ring Cannon and the Beds of Nails. Also, when presenting the Smoke Ring Cannon we use it to illustrate the way so much of nature is hidden and how bringing these phenomena to life by seeing what is really happening is fun and exciting. The Beds of Nails never fails to amaze, and even post our show and complete explanation of why I'm OK, people who see it demonstrated still ask "Why are you OK, why aren't you injured or dead?" Little kids and grandmothers looking for holes in my skin...too funny.
What's been the most surprising reaction you've received from doing your show?
Maiullo: Two come to mind. We explode some hydrogen balloons during our presentation, illustrating to people the difference between a floating hydrogen and helium balloon. I had an older gentleman come up at the end of one of the shows and tell me he saw the Hindenburg when that happened way back in Lakehurst, NJ, in the '30's. Wow! Also, I had an award winning physics professor came up after one of the shows and he let me know how many of our demonstrations surprised and delighted even him, though he had such a complete and thorough understanding of basic physics already. How much fun is that??