Escape Velocity 2019

The classic SF form of the Space Opera locates its origins in late-1920s pulp magazines, and has since expanded to include wide array of texts, such as Dan Simmons’ Hyperion, John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War, and Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game series, as well as epic cinematic productions including Star Wars, Farscape, Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, and arguably, newer shows such as The Orville and The Expanse as well. Despite its wide array of manifestations however, space opera still relies on many of the same character archetypes, plot devices, and melodramatic expositions as it did when the genre started. Come join us for an interdisciplinary discussion of space opera - how it works, what it takes, and why we love (or love to hate) it - from the varied perspectives of literature and cinema to the material realities of film production and acting. Featuring Farscape’s Gigi Edgley.