Ashley Arbelaez/Staff Writer
Blending science and theater together, FIU professor and astrophysicist Fiorella Terenzi performed with her Solar System Astronomy class experiences of what it’s like to work in science.
Terenzi said that she believes in “the power and importance of a broad education that involves looking at the world from a variety of angles.”
For years, the science and art worlds have been kept separate and opposite to each other. Terenzi has challenged this division by teaching astronomy as a performance art.
“In my class, you will acquire scientific knowledge, but we will also explore the creative side of science,” she said.
She encourages her students to participate in a high energy, end of year play named “Let’s Get Astrophysical,” focusing on elements of astronomy and physics.
This year, Terenzi and her students took “Let’s Get Astrophysical,” to the Graham Center pit to participate in the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
The performance is based on Terenzi’s own experiences as a woman working in the scientific field where men are the majority.
It also ties in stories of Terenzi’s childhood and discovering her passion for the night sky alongside her grandmother, her primary influence.
“This approach has grown out of my own experiences with physics and astronomy and the joy that has come from pursuing it,” said Terenzi.
The show has a musical aspect to it with high energy dance performances featuring popular pop songs and music with the sounds of space, which Terenzi produced herself.
Involved with both the dance and social media crews, Giovanna Phillips, a student in Terenzi’s class, plays an active role in “Let’s Get Astrophysical.”
“The show as a whole is a learning experience on multiple levels. I think our professor’s vision of combining astrology with performing arts would have scared off a lot of students, but instead we have a whole team of really dedicated and talented people supporting an entire show,” said Phillips.
Phillips said that producing the show led to creating new friendships in the class.
“I’ve had classmates I had never spoken to before turn into an abundance of new friends. With our common goal of wanting to see the show succeed we are continuously surprising ourselves, and most importantly look forward to making ‘Lets Get Astrophysical’ something everyone in and out of the show can enjoy,” she said.
Terenzi and her class will be back for the second installment of “Let’s Get Astrophysical” on Friday, Apr. 17, which will feature the full version of the play.
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