Playing God? 2005/6
In spring 2006, 60 young people aged 14-22 years in Islington worked with professional artists and scientists to explore the ethical questions stem cell research and gene therapy pose for society. The groups involved included young parents, deaf young people, young people leaving care, school students at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Language College, residents from London City YMCA and young refugees and asylum seekers.
Using dance, digital arts and music the participants explored and expressed their ideas and created a show, which they performed at the Lilian Baylis Theatre at Sadlers Wells as part of the Connect Festival at the end of March 2006.
In September 2006 participants, artists and scientists worked together again to develop the piece as a dance for camera film on location at St Georges Hospital in Tooting. The film is being distributed to schools as a tool for promoting discussion about the science topics with students. The project is funded by the Wellcome Trust’s Pulse initiative. Pulse is one of many Wellcome Trust initiatives, which aim to develop new ways of exploring science and engaging young people with complex and often emotive scientific issues.