What do Our Pets Think About?

A Special Conversation with Deborah Davidson of Catalyst Conversations and Dr. Angie Johnston

Dive into the world of canine cognition and human language comprehension as we explore the ways in which our pets interpret and engage with their surroundings. Listen as we decipher the cues our pets give us in order to understand how they learn and respond to human language so that we can bridge the gap in interspecies communication.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23TH
CENTRAL SQUARE THEATER 

BEYOND WORDS

by Laura Maria Censabella

Inspired by  the life story of Irene Pepperberg and Alex
directed by Cassie Chapados
March 14 – April 14, 2024
A Catalyst Collaborative@MIT Production

Meet Alex and his friend, Dr. Irene Pepperberg. Alex is an African Grey parrot. Irene is a researcher at Harvard University. Over the protests of her male colleagues, Irene teaches Alex to meaningfully communicate and solve problems at the level of a five-year-old child. This highly theatrical new work tracks their 30-year research experiment turned love story and asks: in a world where we are rapidly destroying animal habitats, just who exactly are we sharing our planet with? From the award-winning writer of Paradise.

Originally commissioned and developed by The Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science & Technology Project.

The Brit d’Arbeloff Women in Science Production

Founded in 2012, Catalyst Conversations creates programs that pair artists and scientists for intimate conversations. These conversations have explored topics at the forefront of science and art-making today such as theoretical mathematics, watershed conservation, public art, STEAM education, neuroscience and more. In a region full of innovation and knowledge, Catalyst Conversations offers a unique opportunity for participants of all ages and educational backgrounds to access new knowledge. Ideas are not only presented to the public, they are held open for extended conversation allowing a unique entry to intellectual inquiry. 
 
Central Square Theater (CST) explores social justice, science and gender politics through theater. Combining artistic excellence, cross disciplinary collaboration and community engagement, CST creates theater where points of view are heard, perspective shifts, and change can happen.

Help us bring our free programs at the intersection of art and sciences to audiences in Greater Boston and beyond! As a volunteer-led organization, we rely on the generosity of our attendees to continue to produce exciting and illuminating events. Please consider making a donation to support our programming.