ABSTRACT
Performance has a long history as a means of science communication, from theatre such as Doctor Faustus, through to the Royal Institution lectures of the nineteenth century. This chapter explores the role of performance in science communication, considering the rolesSof both embodiment and narrative in this context. Connecting literature from performance studies, narrative, and science communication, the chapter asks what embodied narratives bring to the field of science communication, exploring, through case studies, how the subjective experiences provided through embodied narratives allow audiences to engage with science on an emotional as well as cognitive level. Drawing on wider literature, the chapter seeks to connect thinking across disciplines to consider the role of performed narratives in stimulating discussion and engagement with scientific topics.
