Auditorium Theatre 2021-2022, Issue 2, National Geographic Spinosaurus

4 | AUDITORIUM THEATRE :: SPINOSAURUS Discovering and Learning with the Explorers of National Geographic Live The audacious explorers of National Geographic Live return to the Auditorium Theatre this season! Whether you want to see incredible photographs and videos of wild animals, learn more about the search for the largest predatory dinosaur, or discover the connections between humans and the social animals around us, this season’s Nat Geo Live series has something for everyone. Before you hear the incredible stories that the National Geographic Live speakers have to share, learn more about their journeys to becoming involved with National Geographic. We caught up with photographer and filmmaker Ami Vitale, who shares her personal odyssey of documenting everything from the heartbreaking realities of war to the inspiring story of Kenya’s first Indigenous-owned elephant sanctuary, and paleontologist Nizar Ibrahim, who tells the story of the Spinosaurus’ discovery, loss, and rediscovery, to find out how they first became National Geographic explorers and what it means to them to be involved with this legendary organization. AMI VITALE “As a young woman, I was painfully shy, gawky, and introverted,” said Vitale, recounting her path to becoming a photographer, a move that would lead her to get involved with National Geographic. “I did not have a clear direction or know what I wanted to be when I grew up. Something incredible happened when I picked up a camera; it gave me a reason to interact with people and took the attention away from myself. It empowered me, and photography became a passport to learning and experiencing new cultures.” Today, as a National Geographic explorer, Vitale uses photography, videography, and storytelling not only as a tool for self- empowerment, but as a tool for creating awareness and understanding across cultures, communities, and countries, “a tool to make sense of our commonalities in the world we share,” she said. “Working for National Geographic has given me extraordinary opportunities to share important stories that drive change and inspire us all to become more actively engaged in wildlife and our shared planet,” Vitale said. “It has been a powerful platform and connected me to so many innovative thinkers and visionaries which helps me expand on my own ideas.” — Ami Vitale Ami Vitale photographing during monsoon, photo ©Michael Davie.