Nobody Lives Forever by Judith Johnson
7 May 2008
A new play about stem cells produced by Y Touring Theatre Company
Wellcome Collection free performances
Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May (12.30-13.30)
Thursday 22, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 May (15.00-16.30)
The free performances from Tuesday 20-Saturday 24 May take place at Wellcome Collection, London's latest cultural 'must-see' venue, which explores the relationship between medicine, life and art. Wellcome Collection encourages open debate about science-related topics in a neutral and informed environment.
'Nobody Lives Forever' has been written by award-winning playwright Judith Johnson and is performed by Y Touring Theatre Company, an operation of Central YMCA, the UK's leading activity for health charity and the world's first YMCA.
The theme of the performance is pertinent given the revision of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology (HFE) Act currently being debated in Parliament. The revision of the Act aims to ensure that it keeps pace with scientific and medical developments in the field of embryology research while maintaining public confidence in future research in this important area.
'Nobody Lives Forever' examines the trials and tribulations of a family of three - mother, son and daughter - who are dealing with the realities and complexities of Huntington's disease, IVF treatment, and religious and scientific conflict.
Performances will be followed by an engaging debate, using electronic voting technology to encourage the audience to explore what they think and feel about the issues posed by the drama.
'Nobody Lives Forever' has been developed in partnership with the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and supported by the Medical Research Council, the Department of Health, Action Medical Research and King's College London. It is targeted at young people studying towards GCSEs and above.
The performance builds on the success of 'Every Breath', a project developed in partnership with the AMRC in 2005. Also written by Judith Johnson, the play explored the use of animals in biomedical research. The production was awarded the prestigious Golden Cockerel Award during its run at the Edinburgh Festival.
To book for 'Nobody Lives Forever' at Wellcome Collection, please call 020 7611 2222 or email the number of tickets you require, together with your full name and telephone number, to events@wellcomecollection.org.
The Wellcome Trust has been working with the members of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), including the Parkinson's Disease Society, to communicate to MPs and the public the importance of stem cell research and the provisions being introduced in the Human Fertilisation Bill. See our spotlight on the HFE Bill for more details.
Media enquiries
Mike Findlay, Wellcome Trust Media Office
T +44 (0)20 7611 8612
E
m.findlay@wellcome.ac.uk
Notes for editors
The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending around £650 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.
Our former headquarters, the Wellcome Building on London's Euston Road, has been redesigned by Hopkins Architects to become a new £30m public venue. Free to all, Wellcome Collection explores the connections between medicine, life and art in the past, present and future. The building comprises three galleries, a public events space, the Wellcome Library, a café, a bookshop, conference facilities and a members' club.
Y Touring Theatre Company is Central YMCA's award-winning national touring theatre group. Over 2m people to date have seen a Y Touring performance since its launch in 1989.