Award-Winning Actress & Renowned Whale Biologist to Explore Sustainability Through Science and Poetry

April 21, 2006

CONTACT:

John Vasconcellos, The Coalition for Buzzards Bay

508-999-6363, ext. 202; vasconcellos@savebuzzzardsbay.org

Callum Grieve, Marion Institute

NEW BEDFORD, MA—The Coalition for Buzzards Bay and the Marion Institute invite the public to join them for the fourth and final presentation in the Global Warming: What Can We Do? lecture series on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Falmouth Academy, 7 Highfield Drive, Falmouth.

Acclaimed actress Lisa Harrow and her husband, internationally renowned whale biologist Roger Payne, will present a theatrical reading of "Lessons from Copernicus," a dramatic presentation that the husband and wife team have written out of concern for the health of our planet. “Lessons from Copernicus” explores the idea of sustainability through science and poetry.

“There’s been a great response to the first three lectures in this series,” says John Vasconcellos, Development Director for The Coalition for Buzzards Bay.  “We've had approximately 300 people attend these presentations ranging from alternative energy solutions, to creating a more healthy and sustainable lifestyle through the food choices we make, to tips for a more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly home. All of the lectures are aimed at more fully understanding not only the impending threat of climate change but what we in southeastern Massachusetts can do to alter the course.”

“Lessons from Copernicus“ is a must-see sustainability presentation combining the knowledge of science with the wisdom of poetry,” says Callum Grieve, Executive Director of the Marion Institute.  “What’s more, it asks the crucial question at the heart of our Global Warming: What Can We Do? lecture series, which is: “What will our children think if we let this planet and its beauty go to waste?” The message is that there is still time to save our precious planet. We just all have to take action.”

Lisa Harrow was born in New Zealand, studied in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, then joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) acting opposite Judi Dench in Twelfth Night, the first woman of her generation to go straight from drama school to playing leading roles at the RSC. During her long career she has starred in theatre, film and TV opposite such actors as: Peggy Ashcroft, Pierce Brosnan, John Gielgud, Anthony Hopkins, Jeremy Irons, and Glenda Jackson.

Roger Payne is best known for his discovery (made with Scott McVay) that humpback whales sing songs, and for his theory that the sounds of fin and blue whales can be heard across oceans. Since 1967, he has studied the behavior of whales, and has led over 100 expeditions to all oceans, studying every large whale species in the wild.  In 1980 Payne founded Ocean Alliance, an institute dedicated to the conservation of whales and their ocean environment through research and education. Its vessel Odyssey recently completed a five-year, around the world “Voyage of the Odyssey”. Using a process harmless to whales, scientists on the trip took small samples of skin from over 1000 sperm whales. Chemical analysis of them will finally show how contaminated the oceans are with heavy metals and synthetic organic chemicals.

Payne is the author of the book "Among Whales" and three recordings: "Songs of the Humpback Whale,” "Deep Voices,” and "Whales Alive.” He has appeared in over 40 TV documentaries, several of which he wrote and/or presented. Payne also co-wrote and co-directed the IMAX film "Whales" which depicts much of Payne’s work and the work of Ocean Alliance.

Admission for this event is free to members of The Coalition for Buzzards Bay and/or the Marion Institute.  Charge per lecture for non-members is $5.  Senior or student non-member charge per lecture is $3.

Harrow’s companion book for this show and for those who want to start making a difference. What Can I Do? An Alphabet for Living will be available at the event for purchase and signing.

For more information or directions, contact The Coalition for Buzzards Bay at 508-999-6363 or the Marion Institute at 508-

748-0816 or visit www.savebuzzardsbay.org or www.marioninstitute.org.

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The Coalition for Buzzards Bay is a private, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. The organization works to improve the health of the Bay ecosystem for all through education, conservation, research and advocacy and is supported by more than 4,700 members.

Founded in 1992, the Marion Institute seeks to engage the widest possible number of people in seeing, connecting and participating in new ways that best support their own lives, and those of the wider community at large. We believe in the interdependence of all life and the critical balance necessary for a sustainable future.