Lunar trivia enhances space voyage with Mugwumpin

In-depth research on the moon and space exploration was a big part of Mugwumpin’s development of “In Event of Moon Disaster.” Among all their discoveries as part of the process, interviewees among the cast and creative team each shared a favorite fun fact:

Soren performer: Santos, “An international team of scientists has discovered that there are caves on the moon that are remnants of ancient lava tunnels. In some of these, you could fit the entire city of Philadelphia.” Wolfgang Wachalovsky, video designer and producer: “In the Japanese equivalent of NASA, applicants are required to fold 1,000 origami cranes because space exploration isn’t about heroism. They need scientists,” which requires patience and consistency. (Recommended reading on this subject: Mary Roach’s “Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void.”) Erin Mei-Ling Stuart, performer: For “astronauts in space, it’s very unnerving to be in no gravity and to try to sleep. Some of them would strap a pillow onto their head, even though you don’t need a pillow — you’re not on anything — but for the familiarity.” Wachalovsky: Astronauts actually orbiting “aren’t Earth; they’re falling around Earth. Their perception is that they’re falling into Earth. It so f— with their minds. They get spacesick. It’s completely disorienting.” Natalie Greene, director: “The moon is getting farther away, and it’s not by much, but I think that we don’t know what impact that might have over time. I wonder, with the changing oceans, if that will have an impact. A line in the show is, ‘A tidal lock can be picked.’ ” — Lily Janiak