Brian Greene, theoretical physicist and one of the founders of the World Science Festival in New York (May 28th – June 1st), talked to Stephen Colbert about the excitement of science, and how the festival will give people a chance to see lots of fun exhibits and chat with scientists to find out about the wonderful “adventure story” (nicely put) that is science. He manages to do this pretty well, between giggles generated by sharp fun-poking from Colbert.
There’s the festival, large-breasted alien robots (their words), some fun quips about string theory (of course), Alan Alda, and so forth. Fun interview. Here it is:
Colbert (on the project to have a modern dance group interpret his book, The Elegant Universe): “I can’t even read your book, how can someone dance your book! Is someone going to quiver, like a string?!”
Here’s the website for the festival. If you’re in New York, check it out!
-cvj
A modern dance version of ‘The Elegant Universe’…
Five people fight each other until Ed Witten brings this Mystery dancer into the middle and they hold hands and begin to dance around him?
I think my choreography is as bad as my physics.
Thanks for the interview, by the way!
I’d have missed this had it not been for you. Thanks. What a pair! Colbert so quick, e.g., the comment on Alda and the LHC and Greene so comfortable, able to judo Colbert’s comments to make a point and clearly enjoying it all. I agree with Harold. Greene’s laugh alone is worth the watch and listen. I’m so glad that we have chances like this to see a pretty good scientist–a statement of high regard since this is Wobegone territory–loving this kind of banter. Colbert’s summary of string theory made me laugh. Perfect for this program.
Cheers.
Thank you for this post! I think Brian Greene did a wonderful job conveying his enthusiasm to the general public, and Colbert handled the interview well- especially the lighthearted remark on how String Theory is hard to test since that is probably what the typical audience of his shows would want to ask. Brian Greene has such a wonderful laugh!