Young Nerds of Color

Young Nerds of Color (working title) is a new play in development at Central Square Theater as part of the Catalyst Collaborative@MIT program. Investigating the field of science from the perspective of the people who are underrepresented – people of color, women, ethnic minorities and people from low income families – through the sharing of personal and surprising stories. From over 60 interviews with scientists (both established and emerging) and students, playwright Melinda Lopez is approaching the project as a musical arranger, weaving together the real words of scientists’ passions, inspirations, challenges, and successes. Ultimately, if scientists need to come together to solve society’s greatest existential problems, we will need a culture welcoming the greatest diversity of voices. Only together, will we truly discover what is possible. This project is funded, in part, by the Department of Theatre at Northeastern University.