Pulse - co-funded projects

CTC Theatre Darlington
Genesis	www.ctctheatre.org.uk

Genesis is an exploration into the interplay of forces at work in the creation and definition of a human life. A group of northeast-based theatre artists will come together with members of the local science community to examine the ways children are shaped and defined. Using object theatre, the project will explore a visual language which attempts to blur conventional boundaries between science and art and explore how object and symbol can create a common vocabulary across disciplines. The project incorporates a schools residency which will allow pupils to examine science and art within a ‘philosophical framework’. A development piece will be presented in May 2004 and at the Take Off 2004 children's theatre festival.

Events diary

		Jack Drum Arts
		www.jackdrum.co.uk	Durham Sex and Death

		This project will seek to engage young people in a creative debate around current and future societal implications in respect of biomedical research and ageing. Inspired by the work of Professor Tom Kirkwood and focusing particular attention on his theory that we are programmed to survive (rather than to die) the project will create a futuristic performance piece and accompanying education programme aimed at 14-19 year olds. Taking Kirkwood's fictional narrative 'Miranda's Tale' as the basis for the work, the project will address specific social and ethical issues such as life/death choices, the pre-eminence of procreative genes over the body's cell maintenance systems, evolution of the species versus eternal youth, the role of older people in society and quality of life in later years.

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Live Theatre Company
Newcastle upon Tyne Red Spots - Tracing the Future	www.live.org.uk

The project will use the landmark 'Thousand Families Study' begun in 1947 by Professor Sir James Spence as the basis for a play produced by Live Theatre. The project will examine issues raised by the study such as controversy about: confidentiality, consent, privacy and ownership. The play will be funny, human and full of quirky characters, but it will also look at real life issues to do with information, privacy and data. Playwright Julia Darling will collaborate with Professor of Paediatric Epidemiology Louise Parker during the development process. Alongside the development of the play there will be a number of parallel projects including a series of discussions, a programme of youth theatre workshops and the potential for publication and broadcast.

Events diary

		Monster Productions
		www.monsterproductions.co.uk	Wallsend, Tyne and Wear Me, Myself and I

		Monster Productions will work with young people and community groups across North Tyneside to explore issues of personal and social identity raised by such questions as: How far are our personalities and our lives determined by our genetic make up? What role does memory play in defining our identity? How far is life and our attitude towards it influenced by death and our understanding of it? Me, Myself and I will involve three core youth theatre groups based at the Buddle Arts Centre in Wallsend, a group of young women with mental health issues and an intergenerational group based in a rural area of the borough. The project will principally be about process and will result in a range of outcomes from performances at the arts centre to production of recorded media.

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© Wellcome Trust 2003