Experimental Words
we learn that my rainbow is not the same
as your rainbow
because we are standing in different places
the lives we’ve led leading us to this moment of our meeting
you, me, and these rainbows
understanding that we are seeing not the same thing
but also the same thing
and how marvellous that we can overcome
that vast space between us
and compare colours…
- from ‘Unweaving Science’ by Sam Illingworth and Dan Simpson
Biology meets balladry in a celebration of the creative similarities and wonderful differences between science and poetry. The result? A diverse display of rhyme, rhythm, and reason. Experimental Words is an ongoing project made by Dr. Sam Illingworth and Dan Simpson. They pair poets and scientists, challenging them to make new poems and spoken word performances.
Beginning as part of Manchester Science Festival / Manchester Metropolitan University, the project has been delivered for Chicago Botanic Garden, Springer London / Imperial College London, the Scottish Storytelling Centre / University of Edinburgh, and Canterbury Festival / University of Kent.
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During lockdown, the project went digital with the production of an Arts Council England funded spoken word album, featuring ten pairs of researchers and writers.
Listen to the album!