Think about the phrase "String Theory."  What comes to mind? If you asked me a few months ago, I would have blurted out "atoms, black holes, the Milky Way and my high school physics teacher with the mismatched leather elbow patches."  But today - I get a giant playable harp resting on the Ford stage with shimmering strings stretching all the way to the back of the theatre, dancers with elaborate costumes that double as instruments and video projections splashed against the walls.

Did I ponder the abyss of cosmic infinity for too long and start seeing things? Not quite. For many, including the Ford staff and me, "String Theory" has come to mean something entirely different from advanced physics: a sensuous, cross-discipline adventure.

String Theory Productions got its name when artistic power-couple Holly and Luke Rothschild attended a lecture by physicist Brian Green, who tackles the existence of multiple universes, among other things. Holly commented, "I thought it was beautiful how he chose to explain physics using musical metaphors, so we adopted the name."  While an innovative, multi-media dance and music ensemble led by the Rothschilds and cellist and composer Joseph Harvey has little to do with quantum mechanics, they are similar in their awe-evoking beauty and structural elegance.  

Although String Theory has performed at many prestigious venues including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Broad Stage, they remain low-profile. Perhaps it's due to the complex and multi-faceted nature of their performance. The Curve Harp (the giant harp I mentioned earlier) has a site-specific installation process. For their Ford show on Thursday, Sept. 15, it will take about 5 hours to set up the 6.5 foot harp and its 24 strings, each 100 feet long. 
 
While the magnificent Curve Harp will first catch your eye, intrigue surrounds String Theory's performances. The group also employs cello, theremin (an early electronic instrument), rock-music elements, pan-global percussion and vocals. But watch for the invented, whimsical instruments that join together to produce sounds spanning the ages. Combined with contemporary dance, special guest musician David Poe and a short film premiere, they make for a highly original experience. After String Theory Live you'll never ponder the universe in the same way again. - Molly