an innovative new play (performed by Y Touring Theatre Company) exploring some of the issues surrounding the revision of the HFE Act coming to Wellcome Collection

“Nobody Lives Forever” by Judith Johnson
A New Play about Stem Cells produced by Y Touring Theatre Company

Innovative theatre combines with lively debate in a new groundbreaking play. Nobody Lives Forever explores the social, moral, scientific and political questions raised by stem cell research and applies it to everyday living. The free performances from Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 May take place at Wellcome Collection, London’s latest cultural ‘must-see’ venue that explores the relationship between medicine, life and art. Wellcome Collection encourages open debate about science related topics in a neutral and informed environment. Nobody Live Forever has been written by award-winning playwright Judith Johnson and is performed by Y Touring Theatre Company, which is 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 the scientific and medical developments in the field of embryology research whilst maintaining public confidence in future research into 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. Written again 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.

Y Touring Theatre Company is Central YMCA’s award-winning national touring theatre group. Over 2 million people to date have seen a Y Touring performance since its launch in 1989. For more info on Y Touring, visit: http://www.ytouring.org.uk/ To find out more about Central YMCA, visit: http://www.ymca.co.uk

Registration required:

Yes

Free:

Yes