Strange Loops

What does it mean to be human? Can a machine become conscious? Marcus du Sautoy investigates the nature of intelligence in this curated fusion of music, theatre, mathematics, machines and the mind.

With the help of harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani and composer Rob Thomas, du Sautoy begins by guiding us through the self-reflective architecture of Bach’s compositions, before challenging an algorithm to ‘compose’ something as sophisticated. Elsewhere, Ben Kreukniet pays tribute to Escher with a feedback digital installation of visual paradox. The final chapter is a theatrical meditation on the nature of existence from members of Complicité, taking their cues from Austrian logician Kurt Gödel to reveal a distinction between proof and truth.

Events

Marcus du Sautoy in front of a blackboard

Event

Contemporary music Talks & events

Marcus du Sautoy: Three Strange Loops

Past event

Wed 17 Apr 2019, 19:30

Following on from their Strange Loops triptych, Marcus du Sautoy and Joana Seguro discuss the inspiration behind the work – Douglas Hofstadter’s 1979 book Gödel Escher Bach.

Event

Theatre & dance

Marcus du Sautoy & Victoria Gould: I is a strange loop

Past event

Thu 21 –Sat 23 Mar 2019

From the creative ensemble behind Complicité’s sensational A Disappearing Number, this two-hander unfolds to reveal an intriguing take on mortality, consciousness and artificial life.

Event

Classical music Contemporary music

The Eternal Golden Braid: Gödel Escher Bach

Past event

Sat 9 Mar 2019, 20:00

Could an algorithm ever write music to rival Bach? The audience decides in this performance lecture with Marcus du Sautoy, harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani and composer Robert Thomas.

Event

Tours & public spaces

Behind a Facade of Order

Past event

Sat 9 Mar –Sun 5 May 2019

In response to the seemingly impossible worlds of M C Escher, Ben Kreukniet creates an algorithmic installation which builds a tangled hierarchy between human, machine and architecture.