Discourse: How mathematics shapes creativity (Theatre)

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We often see art and mathematics as opposites—emotion versus logic—but in this Discourse, mathematician Marcus Du Sautoy reveals a deep and surprising connection between them. He explores how mathematical ideas like symmetry, prime numbers, and the golden ratio shape human creativity, from the earliest stone circles to the modernist architecture of Le Corbusier, from Bach’s circular compositions to Radiohead’s disruptive soundscapes, and from Shakespeare’s hidden numerical clues to the Dada artists who embraced randomness.

Instead of being polar opposites, Marcus will explore how we find a complementary relationship between mathematics and the arts that spans a vast historical and geographic landscapes, using live music as a perfect case study.

Marcus's book "Blueprints: How mathematics shapes creativity" will be available to purchase after the talk.

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Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences in the theatre have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments, including the first public liquefaction of air by James Dewar, the announcement of the electron by JJ Thomson and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. In more recent times, we have had Nobel laureates, Fields medal winners, scientists, authors and artists – all from the cutting-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.

Steeped in nearly two centuries of tradition, a Discourse is more than just a lecture. To keep the focus on the topic, presenters begin sharply at 7:30pm without introduction and we lock the speaker into a room ten minutes ahead of the start (legend has it that a speaker once tried to escape!). Some of our guests dress smartly for our Discourse events to add to this sense of occasion.

Discourses are free for Ri Members and Patrons - consider joining today.

Find out more about the history of Discourses on our blog.

The doors will open at approximately 6.45pm, and all ticket holders must take their seats by 7.20pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. There will be a brief question/answer period after the talk.

Latecomers will be admitted to the gallery.

Event image by Max Petrunin via Unsplash

Host or Publisher The Royal Institution