A MASH-up at the Science Festival

I’ll admit, being invited by Brisbane Marketing to attend the 1st World Science Festival Brisbane and to take part in a famil with some rather prominent international and local scientists and science event influencers, did pique my curiosity. However, scanning down the invite my pulse started to quicken on reading that the exciting presentations and programs included attending the theatrical production of ‘Dear Albert’ and a VIP after-party with the production’s writer and performer, Alan Alda.

Was this the Alan Alda of MASH fame and star of one of my favourite films – ‘Same Time, Next Year?’ It turns out Mr Alda is not only a science buff but an author and director and an all-round good guy. Well, that’s my opinion viewed from the distance of my seat at QPAC where his play about Einstein – Dear Albert - was presented.  

You see, I had hatched plans to buy one of his books – Radiance, Never Have Your Dog Stuffed or Things I Overheard while Talking to Myself, and waylay him at the play’s after party, for him to sign. After which, I’d very cleverly quip, “See you same time, next year.” Trouble is I didn’t get around to buying the book and as it turned out, he didn’t appear at the after party!

What I was unaware of, is the rock-star status and the following of these scientists, physicists and astronauts and the hype surrounding string theorist and chairman of the WSF Brian Greene, who among other things has appeared on episodes of television smash hit, ‘The Big Bang Theory.’ He joined a line-up of scientists, including Australian Noble Prize winning astrophysicist Brian Schmidt and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki who presented at ‘sold out’ programs.

The upshot is, after total immersion in all things science, I have crossed over to the cosmic side and on my return to Sydney booked into ‘An Evening with Brian Green,’ in Luna Park’s Big Top where the queue to get in stretched right through the Park. 

Imagine having any of these guys at your conference?