Mathopoly: A Play About Elitism, Inequality, and Friendship in Academia

A darkly humorous play about three mathematicians navigating academic life amidst privilege, elitism, and inequality in academia.

Mathopoly is an artistically illustrated theatrical play following the early academic lives of three mathematicians as they navigate ambition, friendship, privilege, elitism, and inequality within academia. Philosophical in tone yet shaped by irony and dark humor, the play, written by Indira Chatterji, Christian Gorski, Annette Karrer, and Giulio Tiozzo, explores the tensions of academic life through fictional scenes inspired by real experiences.

The project originated in the spring of 2024 during the thematic program on Randomness and Geometry at the Fields Institute, where mathematicians from around the world exchanged stories about their academic lives. Despite their different backgrounds, many realized their experiences shared similar themes: competition and collaboration, hierarchy and belonging, and uncertainty and pressure. From these conversations, a collection of scenes emerged that the authors wove into the play.

Mathopoly is part of the Academic Scenes initiative, which employs theater as a tool for dialogue within academia.