Students brave the world of human genetics through theatre and arts project School, college and university students across Wales are taking part in a ground-breaking project that combines art and science with theatre to explore the complex area of genetics and the nature of human identity. Boy Genius is the work of Louise Osborn – one of Wales’ most gifted playwrights - who has put the world of genetic research at the heart of a profound, engaging, funny and moving drama. The drama examines how much of our behaviour and personality can be attributed to our genetic make-up and to what extent are we determined by our genes. The project is a collaboration between the Wales Gene Park at Cardiff University, the Genetic Interest Group charity and Gwent Theatre. It is funded by an award from the Wellcome Trust, the largest independent charity in the UK and the second largest medical research charity in the world, which spends around £500 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The ‘boy genius’ in question is Joe whose personality has broken down and whose turmoil has led him to destroy the study and laboratory of a pioneering scientist. The drama’s big question asks: is Joe mad in a sane world or is his behaviour a sane response to a mad world? The participants explore clues in the debris he has deliberately left in the form of multi-media images, music, and voice recording. The experimental approach both informs the participants and challenges their own curiosity. They become his peer mediators in the drama, helping Joe to open up during an entire day of investigation, discussion and debate. Pushing at educational boundaries, the students struggle with the complexity of the revolution in biotechnology and its moral and ethical implications for humankind. Along the way they are exposed to other characters who take different positions in relation to the questions raised and into the dangerous world of eugenics in which a state-engineered breeding policy is propounded to ‘strengthen’ the human stock. Having spent the morning on forensic research, the students are then invited to witness Joe’s story, revealed through a powerful theatre piece conjured by the boy and his imaginary ‘figments’….The afternoon is then spent processing what they have learned through the artistic creation of ‘mind maps’ that represent aspects of Joe’s dilemmas. Louise Osborn said: “When I was first approached I thought the subject sounded dry and dull but it’s absolutely fascinating and provokes profound questions about the nature of being human. It certainly challenged my own pre-conceived ideas.” Professor Ken Woodhouse, Cardiff University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor of External Affairs said: “Using theatre and art to enable young people across Wales to explore and debate ethical and social issues related to developments within human genetics is exciting and innovative. The University, and Wales Gene Park, is proud to have formed a successful partnership with Gwent Theatre to produce 'Boy Genius'. The Wales Gene Park at Cardiff University, in collaboration with the Genetic Interest Group charity and Gwent Theatre, received a Society Award from the Wellcome Trust’s Public Engagement Funding Programme to support the development and production of the interactive theatre workshop. Caroline Hurren, Head of Public Engagement Development Group at the Wellcome Trust comments: "The Wellcome Trust has a firm commitment to support opportunities for active public engagement with science that is topical and raises issues that need debate. This imaginative performance of Boy Genius should offer audiences new perspectives on science and encourage discussion about issues relating to genetics and its impact on our lives." ........................... Boy Genius is a site-specific project that takes students away from their usual environment and subjects them to an artistic world of sensory and technological detail for a whole day. It is limited to 30 students at a time. It is aimed at young people of 16 and upwards in schools and colleges from science, humanities and art subjects and also university students. The tour begins on the 9th of Feb and tours until 19th of April. The project tours from February to April spending a week at each of the following venues:; Botanic Gardens, Carmarthen; Bedwas Workmen’s Hall, Caerphilly; Theatr Powys, Llandrindod Wells; Melville Theatre, Abergavenny; Techniquest, Wrexham and Cardiff University. Gwent Theatre is part of a Wales-wide network of professional theatre in education companies funded by the Arts Council of Wales and individual local authorities. In the team are Darren Stokes, Adam Timms, Caroline Bunce, Jolyon Westhorpe and Alex Alderton with original music by Matt Davison of Cardiff and the installation design by Steve Denton of Newport. The Wales Gene Park is based within Cardiff University and brings together researchers and clinicians to extend knowledge, advance developments and raise awareness on issues related to human genetics. The Genetic Interest Group (GIG) is a charity working on behalf of all people affected by genetic conditions. It works to improve healthcare services and research into inherited conditions and it raises awareness and educates on issues relevant to human genetics. Cardiff University Cardiff University is recognised in independent government assessments as one of Britain’s leading teaching and research universities. Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, the University today combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research. The University’s breadth of expertise in research and research-led teaching encompasses: the humanities; the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; preparation for a wide range of professions; and a longstanding commitment to lifelong learning. Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group of Britain’s leading research universities. Visit the University website at: www.cardiff.ac.uk The Wellcome Trust The Wellcome Trust is the largest independent charity in the UK and the second largest medical research charity in the world. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending around £500 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing. http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/ |
| gwent theatre web site: |
| e-mail: gwenttie@uwclub.net |
Thursday, February 8, 2007 |
Older news
stories have been carefully archived.
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999