Isabella Rossellini‘s new one woman show Darwin’s Smile reconciles two worlds that are often at the opposite ends: art and science.

Reading Charles Darwin’s book “The Expression of Emotions on Man and Animals” revealed to her that the continuity between human and animals can also be detected in the expression of emotions.

Isabella explores how empathy, that is at the base of acting, is also necessary for the studies of animal behavior (ethology). The show is both a lesson on evolution and acting. In her usual comical tones, she demonstrates how acting could use to understand the mysterious nature of animals and their emotions. With humor and simple, innocent devices she plays on stage dogs, cats, chickens, peacocks, and of course Charles Darwin.

The show is an opportunity to learn while being entertained and laughing all about the art of acting and complex scientific theories. Isabella explains “During the covid lock down I had ample time to reflect about my passions for theater and science. It seemed that these two interests of mine were both distinct and separate: one satisfied my heart, while the other satisfied my brain. When I understood that they could be integrated, my heart and my brain finally became reconciled and harmonious.“