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Nightshades: You say ‘potato’, I say ‘patahtta’

Mon 16 Dec 2013

Category

Price

FREE

Time

2 - 6pm

Nightshades: You say ‘potato’, I say ‘patahtta’

veg

Solanaceae, or nightshades, is one of the most diverse plant families. It includes plants like potato, tomato, eggplants, and peppers that have become vital components of our daily diet, but also others such as tobacco, mandrake, and belladonna, that are highly toxic and have been used as sources for powerful, hallucinogenic and medicinal drugs. During this event, artists, scientists and historians will share intriguing stories about attempts to domesticate this bewildering diversity. We shape plants, and they shape us in turn. Knowing them, therefore, is not just a matter of science, but of designs and desires as well.

Entrance is free, but bring a nightshade of your choice and your own stories to share. We will end with conversation, drinks and nibbles.

Speakers: Staffan Müller-Wille (University of Exeter, Egenis); Åsa Sonjasdotter (Academy of Contemporary Art and Creative Writing, Arctic University of Norway); Sandy Knapp (Natural History Museum, London); Paul Brassley (University of Exeter). Chair: Steve Hughes (University of Exeter, Egenis). Full programme to follow.

VENUE: EXETER PHOENIX DRAMA STUDIO

WEBSITE: SOCIALSCIENCES/EXETER.AC.UK

 

 

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