Before Galileo there was Copernicus, who in 1543 while on his deathbed, published the groundbreaking theory that the Sun, and not the Earth, was the centre of the universe and the hub about which all planets revolved. His theory was first published in 1543, however he wrote it some thirty years previously. Why would he withhold it for so long?

Copernicus’ legacy initiated one of the greatest shifts in scientific thinking, the ‘Copernican Revolution’, setting off a chain of events that saw science declared an enemy and men like Galileo persecuted and killed for espousing the new beliefs. While some refer to him as the founder of modern science and astronomy, Copernicus is relatively unknown and uncelebrated compared to names like Galileo, Newton, and Einstein.

With 2009 being the International Year of Astronomy, it’s time to shine a light on the life of Copernicus and get inside his head! Copernicus is a truly immersive sensory experience, complimented by the raised stage of the Planetarium, reclining 45 degree angled seats, multimedia, special effects and richly layered surround sound. Copernicus premiered in Europe with performances in London and Switzerland.

Sam Davison is a performer, director, and teacher who has worked and trained in Australia and Europe across various mediums including theatre, film, TV, opera and street performance. In 2006 Davison established "Transit Theatre" as a vehicle for creating work. Recent productions include A Complete Theory of Time in Europe and South Korea (Transit, 2008), Pigeonhole in Melbourne (Polyglot TAP residency, 2009), and The Man Who Saw Things That Weren’t There in Melbourne (Vic Arts Centre, 2007).

Copernicus has been made possible through the sponsorship and support of the Melbourne Planetarium at Scienceworks, courtesy of Museum Victoria, who have generously supplied the performance venue along with valuable technical assistance in preparing the production. Devised & performed by Sam Davison, original soundtrack composed by Gus Macmillan, original animation & visuals created by Brendan Williams, designed by Alison Ross.

www.transittheatre.com/copernicus

Venue: SkyDome Theatre, Melbourne Planetarium[] Scienceworks: 2 Booker Street Spotswood
Preview: Tuesday 15 September, 8:00pm
Season: Wednesday 16 September – Saturday 4 October (Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays)
Times: Wednesdays and Saturdays 8:00pm, Sundays 6:00pm
Tickets: $26 Full, $23 Concession, $18 Preview
Bookings: From 1 September via Melbourne Fringe Festival Box Office 9660 9666 or online at

www.melbournefringe.com.au

Media Enquiries: Zoe Lane TS Publicity: (03) 9419 8837 or zoe@tspublicity.com.au