UCF’s Symphony Orchestra performed Brian Greene’s “Icarus at the Edge of Time” on Friday in front of an almost full house at the Dr. Phillips Center of the Performing Arts.
Greene, who answered questions at UCF alongside actress Kate Mulgrew earlier at a Q & A, is a theoretical physicist and string theorist, author, and professor of Physics and Mathematics at Columbia University. She authored the adaptation of the Greek myth of the same name, making it a “futuristic re-imagining of the classic myth [that] takes audiences of all ages on a voyage through space and time to the very edge of understanding,” according to the UCF website.
The audience enjoyed the show, giving the performers a standing ovation at the end of their performance.
Sophomore and health sciences major Alex Baron said he enjoyed the show.
“I was definitely surprised of how big of an event it was…I love music and I love science, and it was a great mix of that,” Baron said.
“Icarus at the Edge of Time” has been performed around the world. Friday’s performance–which was like a Neil Tyson DeGrasse’s “Cosmos” episode mixed with a futuristic plot– featured a score by Philip Glass, narration by “Star Trek Voyager” and “Orange is the New Black” actress Kate Mulgrew while UCF’s Symphony Orchestra played beside her, script by Brian Greene and David Henry Hwang, and was created and directed by Al + Al.
The performance was for “UCF Celebrates the Arts,” held from April 10 to 15. “We are using this opportunity to share the products and performances of our university students and faculty,” said Jeff Moore, director of the UCF School of Performing Arts and artistic director of the festival.
