Dante's Laboratory - Science of Sin

Is lust sinful? Or are our ‘sins’ grounded in evolution? Are such traits merely a means of survival to ensure that our genes are passed onto the next generation?

Dante’s Laboratory – Science of Sin is a live cabaret show, held as part of the New Zealand International Science Festival (July 6-11), created and delivered by Australian science educator Chris Krishna Pillay and live band the Virtuous Pagans.

Dante’s Laboratory examines the status and relevance of traditional sins today. Are we gluttonous, slothful and greedy? Are we indeed vengeful and lustful, and what can science tell us about these very human drives?

“Chimpanzees are often quick to show aggression when solving disputes and establishing hierarchy. Bonobos [sometimes known as pygmy chimpanzees] are much less aggressive and far more likely to solve conflict – and bond generally – through a wide range of sexual interactions. I guess they make love, not war. Humans share a common ancestor with both these species, so it is not surprising that we are violent, lustful and greedy. … Bring your morals with you and be prepared to laugh, to think and to tap your toes,” says Chris KP.

The show follows the medieval author Dante’s path through the nine circles of Hell in a hilarious cabaret show with a scientific perspective and an entertaining twist, and includes audience interaction. It explores human behaviour, concepts of morality and ‘the essence of sin’ with reference to evolutionary biology, genetics, neurology and psychology … and it does it with song.

Dante’s Laboratory will play four shows at Dunedin’s Fortune Theatre on Thursday 8, Friday 9 and Saturday 10 July. Tickets sales are available through the Fortune Theatre at www.fortunetheatre.co.nz or the box office, phone 03 477 8323.

Chris KP, Australian Science Educator, www.chriskp.com

Chris KP is one of Australia’s foremost science theatre proponents and is returning to the New Zealand International Science Festival for the third time. His writing and performance credits include Pre-Coital – the Science of Dating (“pick of the [Australian Science] Festival”, Canberra Times), Somnium (”instructive, fast-paced and fun", Otago Daily Times), the Great Big Science Gig and Howard Florey – a Tale of Tall Poppies. He was a science consultant for the Australian children’s television series Wicked Science. Chris has appeared on television on the Today Show, Totally Wild and Scope, and is a regular guest on the popular radio programme ‘Einstein A Go Go’.

Chris is Victorian manager of CSIRO Education and secretary of the National Science Week Victorian coordinating committee. Every year, CSIRO Education has face-to-face contact with more than 300,000 people in a variety of programs for school students, teachers and the public.

Chris has experience in drama, musicals, stand-up comedy, film and television. He is an accomplished speaker and has been an MC for countless events from orchestral concerts to corporate award presentations.

New Zealand International Science Festival, Dunedin, July 6-11

There are over 200 dynamic interactive events planned including talks, debates, the cabaret show, children’s workshops and competitions. While many of the children’s workshops are free, early booking is recommended to secure a place. Visit www.scifest.org.nz for more information.