26 October 2011

Science fiction into science fact - Dundee Arts Cafe event, 1st November

A discussion of how the novels and short stories of pioneering science fiction writer H.G. Wells anticipated new technology up to a century before it’s development will be held in Dundee next week.

Dr Keith Williams, a lecturer in English at the University of Dundee and a Wells expert, will lead a discussion on science fiction and the dawn of cinema during the next Dundee Arts Cafe session.

The event takes place at the McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum on Tuesday, 1st November. Dr Williams will look at 'The Time Machine' and other short stories from Wells, and examine how each text imagined the visual technology of the future.

Drawing on the cutting-edge science of the late-19th Century, Wells was able to predict the development of new media including cinema, television, virtual reality, and the internet. Wells’ writings on how we observe the world influenced one of Britain’s pioneering film-makers, R.W. Paul at the very dawn of the cinematic age.

'Things that we take for granted in our lives these days were once the stuff of fantasy; seemingly far-fetched technology unimaginable to all but the most inventive of artists, writers and technologists,' said Dr Jon Urch, event organiser and public engagement co-ordinator at the University of Dundee.

'Keith Williams is an authority on Wells and early cinema, and he will be exploring how the themes and technological features of Wells’ writings, and subsequent cinematic adaptations, became reality. Of course, we've not quite perfected the time machine yet, but who knows what other things will become fact that were once a part of Wells’ fiction.'

Dundee Arts Cafe is a programme of talks showcasing arts research and developments taking place locally. The series is organised by the Universities of Dundee and Abertay, and Dundee City Council's Leisure & Culture department.

Dundee Arts Cafe events enable members of the public to relax and discuss the arts, from English to History, Philosophy to Architecture, and Fine Art to Product Design, with some of the leading names carrying out work in these areas in Dundee.

The events last one hour, and speakers talk passionately about their work for 30 minutes before the floor is opened up to an informal discussion with the audience. All talks take place in The McManus Café, Albert Square, Dundee.

'H.G. Wells and Cinema - Turning Science Fiction Into Science Fact' takes place at 6pm on Tuesday, 1st November. This event is free, and open to all. Limited seating means visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

For more information about the event and Dundee Arts Cafe please visit the Dundee Arts Cafe website

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277