The mathematical arts have popped up in a play yet again, and Berkeley's Mathematical Sciences Research Institute is gathering a panel of experts for a boisterous discussion.

The panelists will be musing upon the Aurora Theatre Company's "Partition," a world-premiere play by Ira Hauptman that opened last week. It deals with the real-life relationship between a British mathematician and his Indian protégé in the early part of the 20th century.

Panelists include mathematical historian Jeremy Gray, the play's director; Barbara Oliver, Aurora founder and artistic director; and David Hoffman, associate director of the MSRI.

The event is 4 p.m. Friday at the Sibley Auditorium in the Bechtel Engineering Center on the University of California, Berkeley, campus. Admission is free. Call (510) 642-0143 or visit www.msri.org