The Coolidge Corner Theatre

with talk and Q&A by composer and MIT Professor of Music and Media Tod Machover
and performance by orchestral thereminist Dalit Hadass Warshaw

Leon Theremin made music as strange as the life he lived. In 1918, using newly discovered vacuum-tube technology, the Russian-born scientist invented a musical instrument unlike any the world had seen before: one that utilizes electronic oscillation to produce its sound and is played entirely without human contact. Theremin toured the United States and Europe giving public recitals, and became the toast of New York City's artists and intellectuals during the roaring '20s, rubbing elbows with such luminaries as Albert Einstein and Dwight D. Eisenhower. But in 1938, at the height of his promising career in the U.S., Theremin mysteriously disappeared. Decades later, it was discovered he had been abducted by KGB agents and interred in a Russian prison camp to be "rehabilitated." Later, Theremin even developed pioneering spy technology for Stalin's regime during the Cold War.

Over the years, the ethereal, otherworldly sounds of the theremin became the backdrop to scores of science fiction and horror films (particularly in the ‘50s), and have inspired numerous musicians, from the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson to synthesizer pioneer Robert Moog. Director Steven Martin's documentary, THEREMIN: AN ELECTRONIC ODYSSEY, deftly explores the remarkable story of Theremin the man, and traces the lasting influence of his work. (1994, 1h23m)

While there have been no KGB abductions in his background (at least not that we know of), Tod Machover is himself a remarkable figure in the worlds of music and technology. He has pioneered many new technologies for music, most notably his Hyperinstruments that use smart computers to augment musical expression and creativity. He has designed Hyperinstruments for some of the world's greatest musicians, from Yo-Yo Ma to Prince, as well as for the general public, for children, and for use in a variety of healthcare contexts. In addition, the video game sensation GUITAR HERO was invented by two of Machover’s students, growing out of technology developed in his Lab.

with science historian Peter Galison

Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is a television weatherman, assigned to the task of covering whether or not local groundhog "Punxsutawny Phil", will see his shadow. It's his forth year waiting on word from the rodent to determine the length of the remaining winter, and Phil couldn't be more open about his disdain for the town, his job and his co-workers. When he awakens on what should be the following day, he is stunned to realize that no time has progressed; Phil is reliving his most hated day of the year, over and over again, with no end in sight.

with social psychologist Mahzarin Banaji

When young Joanna Drayton brings her new fiance home to San Francisco to meet her liberal parents, their progressive leanings are put to they test when they discover the man their daughter has chosen to settle down with is black. Sydney Poitier stars as the successful and respected Dr. John Wade Prentice, who challenges the preconceived notions of of Mr. and Mrs. Drayton (Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn) during dinner one evening.