‘Whose Blood’: New play explores the bloody world of early modern medicine

17 February 2011

London’s Old Operating Theatre comes back to life this week with the opening of new play ‘Whose Blood’, written by award-winning playwright Alex Burger.

'Whose Blood' takes us back to a time less than 200 years ago, when there was no anaesthesia or antiseptics and when surgery was still practised by barbers.

23 February–12 March 2011
The Old Operating Theatre
9a St Thomas's Street, London SE1 9RY

Tickets£10/£6
Box office020 8507 5607

The year is 1832, when a couple from what is present-day Ghana arrives at St Thomas’ Hospital looking for help.A doctor proposes an experimental solution and soon, the couple find themselves immersed in a world of gin shops, body snatching and ghosts. How far would you go to save the one you love?

Set in an authentic 19th-century operating theatre, where thousands went under the knife and few survived, 'Whose Blood' explores the ethical dilemmas of early modern medicine.

This intimate event is strictly limited to 12 performances.

Performance dates:
February 23, 24, 25, 26
March 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12
19.00 (18.00 on Saturdays)

'Whose Blood' is supported by the Wellcome Trust, Arts Council England, Guy's and St Thomas’ Charity, The Broadway Barking, and Talawa Theatre.