Can writers prevent disease?
Author Charlotte Wood, playwright Alana Valentine and Professor Stephen Simpson discuss how, together, science and the arts might create a new understanding of preventable disease.
The causes and consequences of chronic diseases are more complicated than biology alone. Psyche, education and cultural norms all play a part in the rising burden of chronic disease.
A hosted by the City of Sydney Library and Inspiring Australia 鈥� part of the Curious Science series 鈥� will investigate how writers and scientists can co-create a new understanding of preventable disease.
At the University of Sydney鈥檚 , scholars from a range of disciplines explore the interconnectedness of our environment, food and health in order to ease the global burden of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and related conditions through innovative research and teaching.聽
Last year the . Accessing conversation, seminars and research supported the award-winning author in the development of characters with uncommon depth in the novel she is currently working on.
The last month. Alana was already associated with the Centre, developing a script about brides and grooms preparing their bodies for their big day.
Together with Academic Director , they will explore their collaboration, the hurdles and triumphs as well as the scope for similar alliances in future.
鈥淗aving Charlotte at the Charles Perkins Centre has been revelatory for us both,鈥� said Professor Simpson.
鈥淚nteractions with our researchers have subtly imbued and shaped Charlotte鈥檚 work without intruding or imposing upon her process. In turn, she has shown our scientists what it means to tell a compelling story that is based on evidence as well as creative imagination.聽
We have far more in common than the na茂ve caricatures of scientists and artists would suggest.
鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to reading Charlotte鈥檚 novel and Alana鈥檚 plays immensely 鈥� and to discovering how both our new writers in residence embrace the experience.鈥�
During her residency Ms Wood explored the realities and challenges of ageing, from friendships that over the years can become strained, to dealing with heath issues that many people face as they get older.
鈥淐onversations with researchers at the Charles Perkins Centre triggered the insight that old age cannot be seen as one phase of life 鈥� there are many stages and styles and ages within 鈥榦ld age鈥� and the complexity provides a rich source for narrative,鈥� she said.
Ms Valentine intends to use the Greek myth of Cassandra to draw parallels between some scientists鈥� struggles to have their findings heard and believed.
鈥淚 believe that theatre provides a unique way to mobilise community interest in science in provocative and entertaining ways and to animate a number of inventive approaches to the problems we face as a community,鈥� she said.
The Charles Perkins Centre Writer in Residence Fellowship was made possible through the generous support of University of Sydney alumna and patron Judy Harris.