The Invention of Wonder

Ten sonic experiments create a theatre of the unexplained.

Is it the light that makes the sound or the sound that makes the light?

Planet-like orbs float in mid-air, objects move by themselves and hum with electronic noise.

Invisible-forces and ethereal sounds collide as you question your perception – is that the sound of the universe laughing?  

It’s somewhere between a philosophical lecture, a Victorian illusion, and a performance of electronic music. The Invention of Wonder is an exploration of forces which are normally invisible. This show turns them into something which can be seen and touched, through a series of ten electro-magnetic sculptural and sonic ‘experiments.” The sonic ‘evidence’ is used to create a compelling and mesmerising sound composition. This experience may rekindle some of our lost wonder in ‘natural magic’ and the marvellous.

This new music-theatre performance, by internationally acclaimed sound artist Ray Lee, takes as one of its starting points the Philosophical Table. This was a table used to demonstrate the new discoveries of science, which was then called Natural Philosophy, during the Enlightenment (approximately 1680-1820). The original Philosophical Table is exhibited in the Science Museum in London. Ray has created a purpose built sonic ‘philosophical table’ which he uses to generate sound during the show.

Q & A Panel

The performance will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A hosted by the Royal Philosophical Society and chaired by Professor Dan O’Brien from Oxford Brookes University.