Nerd Nite No. 66: STAR TREK EXTRAVAGANZA
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, we’re excited to change things up a little bit: we’ll have four presenters giving you the ins and outs of Star Trek. Our very own Chris Cummins will be taking on TOS, returning researcher Suraiya Haroon (previously of Mitochondria disease: From worms to humans) will be talking ’bout TNG, cartographic champion Henry Bernberg (previously of Mapping the Galaxy Far, Far Away) will discuss DS9, and first time speaker Marshal Staggs will review Voyager.
Chris Cummins is a Philadelphia-based writer and comics historian who regularly contributes to Den of Geek and Uproxx. He is also the producer/host of Sci-Fi Explosion, a cosmic cabaret of craziness that explores the wacky world of science fiction. You can follow him on Twitter at @bionicbigfoot and @scifiexplosion.
Suraiya Haroon with Star Trek: The Next Generation – from across the other pond!
At a time when sci-fi had not gained as much popularity, TNG allowed young science to go on voyages to explore the unknown. This talk will reveal a perspective from a country far far away on the TNG series. Discussions of a few characters will unveil some of the commentaries TNG makes on the human condition and take a look at some predictive technologies the show used.
Suraiya is a postdoctoral researcher at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with a degree in Experimental Breeding. She is a lover of all model organisms, specially yeast, fruitflies, frogs, mice and worms. Suraiya is always willing to rant about science in exchange for beer and cheese.
Henry Bernberg with The Most Interesting Man in the Alpha Quadrant
Deep Space Nine stands out amongst the Star Trek series as the only one to rely on long form storytelling. Its unique setting and continuous story arc let the show foster relationships amongst the characters, be they heroes, renegades, or villains, while exploring complex social questions in ways that engage the viewer emotionally. All the while each character tries to claim the title of The Most Interesting Man in the Alpha Quadrant.
Henry is a sci-fi, cartography, and Lego nerd and creator of the Online Star Wars Galaxy Map. He holds degrees in Historic Preservation and Urban Spatial Analytics and works for the Philadelphia Water Department Office of Watersheds in stormwater management.
Marshal Staggs with A Boatload of Spocks
This talk will explore how the atypical setting of Voyager is effectively used as a lens through which to examine the history of the Star Trek franchise and the character archetypes upon which it traditionally relies. Through a discussion of selected characters and episodes, “A Boatload of Spocks” will show how Voyager was a natural evolution of the franchise and, as Star Trek shows often are, the Star Trek show that we needed at the time it was on the air.
Marshal is a graduate of The George Washington University and American University, where he completed a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing in 2013. Since then, he has been working as an editor and writing his second novel in his spare time. He firmly believes that the best episode in the Star Trek franchise is Voyager’s “Bride of Chaotica!,” and will loudly argue with anyone who disagrees.
The details:
Doors open at 4pm. Show at 7:30pm. We recommend you get there early to ensure getting a good seat!
$5
Wednesday, September 7th
Frankford Hall
1210 Frankford Avenue
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