Organ Grinder’s Inc. presents

Intellectual Self Defence

Kung Fu and critical thought will come head to head in the quirky

science show Intellectual Self Defence, to be held at Questacon as a

part of National Science Week in August.

Intellectual Self Defence is a fun, interactive show that will teach an

audience how to think critically and evaluate scientific evidence. It will

use a 70’s kung fu movie style to feature topics such as evolution,

climate change, the scientific method and alternative medicine. The

show has been in development since January, when Alison McGregor,

Joel Barcham, Alex Jordan and Daniel McCusker received $14 550

from the Australian Government’s SCOPE program to present the show

as a part of National Science Week.

The show follows the adventures of Johnny Brainfist, master of the

Truthful Lotus style as he fights against the Cobra Lai dojo of Bad-

Fu. ‘The 70’s Kung Fu movie stuff really lends itself to the show, and

keeps everything light and fun’ writer Joel Barcham says about the

show’s irreverent style. ‘We chose it because it is so over the top and

allows us to create a real Hero’s journey. There are good guys, bad

guys, lots of movement and action – all of this adds interest to what

could otherwise have been a fairly dull, text-heavy show. We also liked

the idea of tying it in with defence – defending your ideas, and the

martial arts as a form of physical defence.’

Production manager and performer in the show, Alison McGregor,

says that Intellectual Self Defence is not necessarily about winning

an argument, but about defending your ideas. ‘Everyone has had

the experience of talking to someone who says something that is

unscientific, ambiguous or just plain wrong. We feel that if you agree

with them, or don’t engage in a debate then you are tacitly validating

that opinion. We want people to feel that if they’ve done their research

and really examined an issue, then their ideas and opinions are worth

defending.

‘This show will help people to do that. Our main character, Johnny

Brainfist, has invited the audience into his dojo and they are going to

learn basic ‘moves’ that they can use to defend themselves against bad

argument. The show will give an audience the tools that they need to

be able to debate ideas calmly and intelligently.’ McGregor also notes,

however, that it needs to work both ways: ‘part of critical thinking is

trying to remove your own personal bias and being prepared to admit

when you’re wrong’.

Overall, Intellectual Self Defence will be an engaging and satisfying

experience. ‘We are covering a range of scientific topics, but the style

will ensure that it’s not just a science lesson – it will be really exciting’

she says.

National Science Week runs from the 14th to the 22nd of August. For

more details please visit the website www.scienceweek.gov.au and

follow the links for ACT events.

What:

Intellectual Self Defence

Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th

When:

August @ 6pm and 7.30pm

Friday 20th August @ 3.30pm

Saturday 21st August @ 3.30pm, 6pm and 7.30pm

Where:

Japan Theatre 1, Questacon, King Edward Terrace

Parkes

Tickets:

Adults $20, Concession $15, Groups of 8 or more $12.50.

Friday performance is FREE with valid entry to Questacon

Contact:

Alison McGregor 0422 932 918; ali.stardragon@gmail.com

Website:

http://www.scienceweek.gov.au/Pages/EventsMap.aspx?

state=act (Science Week Website)