Melodious catastrophes - Physics and Music at Stan & Olli

Melodious Catastrophes: Physics and Music at Stan & Olli takes you on a jazz‑in‑time journey into the mechanics of early film comedy. Join the world‑renowned physicist Prof. Dr. Metin Tolan as he pulls apart the slapstick choreography that made Stan Laurel—and his sidekick Oliver Hardy, aka Dick & Doof—icons of film history. Using a collection of classic movie excerpts, Tolan humorously deciphers the hidden physics behind every pratfall: from the simple pulley systems that lift tumbling over‑accumulated props to the harmonic oscillators that govern a prop’s bounce, to the vibrating strings that echo in a triumphant bow—each moment is studied with scientific precision and a wink. These cinematic revelations are set to life by the Dortmund University Orchestra under the dynamic direction of UMD Julian Pontus Schirmer. The score blends the grandeur of Erich Wolfgang Korngold, the dramatic depth of Dmitri Shostakovich, and the rhythmic intrigue of Kurt Weill, turning every scene into a melodic masterpiece that perfectly captures the era’s theatrical energy. Don’t miss this unique fusion of science, cinema, and classical music—an experience that will let you hear the science behind every laugh, feel the force of every pratfall, and discover just how brilliantly physics can animate artistry. Details & tickets