Catalyst Collaborative@MIT (CC@MIT)

The Central Square Theater (CST) provides a venue for the Catalyst Collaborative@MIT, founded about three years ago by MIT and Underground Railway Theater (URT) with the aim of "mining the deep vein of theatrical possibility at the intersection of science and the arts." The collaborative has held staged readings and two full productions, including a much-praised rendition of "Einstein's Dreams," a play based on the novel by Alan Lightman, adjunct professor of the humanities.

Performances began early in 2008 in the newly built facility at 450 Massachusetts Ave., and culminates an 11-year effort by MIT to revitalize a parcel of property in the heart of Cambridge.

For example, the CC@MIT has held "talk backs" or post-show discussions by MIT professors and staff on science or technology topics at CST, a feature that has become as popular as the plays themselves.

Both MIT and theater staff praised the cross-fertilization among MIT students and faculty and actors, directors and playwrights through CC@MIT projects.

CST will also host a range of other plays. Other efforts, including special reduced-price nights for local residents, target ways to welcome the theater's Central Square neighbors.