Physical Education

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Physical Education A Circus-Science Smashup

Four acts, four different interpretations of biochemical research, each written and devised by Sheffield circus artists. From the ‘Scales to Photosynthesis’ with Samrara Casewell to ‘How to Seduce a Magnesium Ion’ by Claire Crook via some death defying ‘Protein-Protein Interaction’ from Rebecca Solomon and Jess Abouzeid, and 'How to Make a Protein' with Dr Nate Adams, witness incredible feats of human athleticism, flexibility and endurance as we tell the a story of life inside cells. But to start off, we need to understand...

How Small is Small?

Chlorophyll, the molecule that captures energy from the sun is 2 nanometres across, around 50 million times smaller than the leaf it is held in. For life to happen, structures and machines need to be created at all different scales, that work together to allow life to survive.

Discover the scales of the universe with this great online app.

See more of Samara's work.

The proteins that allow life to exist don't just magically appear - it's all to do with...

The Fun-damentals of Molecular Biology

While DNA is important, it's the proteins that are the movers and shakers in your cells, keeping you alive.

The basic 3D structures that make up a protein.

Find out more about Nate and his work at www.drnateadams.com

Enzymes and these molecular motors don't just work in isolation, they work together as teams. It's all to do with...

Protein-Protein Interactions!

Two proteins, together forever.

See more of Rebecca and Jess' work on their websites.

So that cholorphyll molecule - how does it all kick off?

How to Seduce a Magnesium Ion

Magnesium protoporphyrin IX. What happens when you seduce a magnesium ion.

Visit Claire's website to see her work.

Watch the entire film, including a Q+A with the team from the broadcast at Festival of the Mind 2020

The Q+A starts at 37:25.

Credits

Physical Education was written and performed by the cast.

Samara Casewell

Dr Nate Adams

Rebecca Solomon

Jess Abouzeid

Claire Crook

Filming and Editing

Michalina Kubiak

The creation of Physical Education was supported by:

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