Plants pop and the mind boggles as Stevie Wonder provides the score for this rarely screened and impossible-to-stream 1978 documentary about the pain and joy that plants experience, how they communicate it, and the interconnectedness of all things. Alternating sequences of the planet Earth in time-lapse grandeur with segments exploring various biologists at work, THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANTS — most certainly a product of its time — traverses the globe in pursuit of the question, are plants sentient beings? A polygraph technician applies his science to track the emotional response of a houseplant. A woman teaches the Japanese alphabet to a cactus. All the while, Wonder employs an era-appropriate battalion of synth, vocalizing the action, acting as co-narrator, and turning out some of his most unusual work — later released as the record A Journey Into the Secret Life of Plants.” (1978, 97 min, DVD)
Before the sun sets, join us on the Arts Lawn to create wildflower seed bombs and bouquets with Planks and Pistils accompanied by DJ Duane Powell’s Stevie-based set and ReformedSchool’s Stevie-based merch.
Planks and Pistils
Planks & Pistils exists to design high quality floral art that evokes a social and emotional connection to Black freedom, creativity, self-care and growth.
Duane Powell
Duane Powell is a legendary Chicago-based DJ, promoter, tastemaker, and music historian with a career spanning over four decades. Immersed in the city’s 1970s soul scene, he began promoting house music events in 1985. During a 12-year tenure at Dr. Wax Records, he solidified his reputation as a premier tastemaker, helping break major artists like Jill Scott and Ledisi.
Powell launched the SOUNDROTATION brand in 1999 to champion underground soul and later created the Rear View Mirror Sessions lecture series. Named Chicago’s Best House Music DJ by the Chicago Reader in 2019, he has held major residencies, performed for Boiler Room TV, and serves on the Frankie Knuckles Foundation board. He also curates "Sunday Service," a spiritual musical gathering that was featured at the 2023 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
About Peter Ganoa + Reformed School:
Peter Gaona is a Chicago-based creative entrepreneur, arts administrator, and marketing strategist. He is the founder and creator of ReformedSchool, a brand specializing in handmade wearable art that blends fashion, education, and social awareness. Established in 2013, ReformedSchool creates unique accessories celebrating Black history and culture. In 2021, Peter expanded the brand by opening its first physical location as part of the L1 Creative Business Accelerator, an initiative by the University of Chicago’s Arts + Public Life supporting local entrepreneurs. In addition to his work with ReformedSchool, Peter is the Creative Director of Marketing at Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, where he crafts compelling brand narratives that elevate the organization’s impact. His career also includes roles in arts administration at The Chicago High School for the Arts, Columbia College Center for Community Arts Partnerships, and AileyCamp Chicago. With a background in dance and a passion for storytelling, Peter continues to merge creativity, culture, and community-driven initiatives in all his work.
This program is co-sponsored by the Film Studies Department at UChicago.