RIDING LIGHTS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

SCIENCE FRICTION

COULD YOU PLAY GOD?

written by Bridget Foreman
directed by Paul Burbridge
designed by Sean Cavanagh

In a world where scientists are often accused of 'playing God', how can we combine the volatile elements of scientific discovery, faith and moral responsibility?

From accusations of heresy levelled at sixteenth-century astronomers, through the ongoing 'creation versus evolution' debate, to the explosive possibilities of human cloning, the Church and the world of science have often been deeply opposed, unable to speak a common language.

Science Friction takes a dramatic, innovative look into this vast issue by turning a lens on two extraordinary stories: Galileo's study of the heavens, which rocked the Church's universe; and a genetic research scientist who, today, finds her professional and personal convictions clashing with life-changing effects.

Riding Lights intertwines these two stories in typically dynamic style. Gripping, entertaining, challenging, Science Friction asks, 'From the telescope to the microscope, how far have we really come? And how far will we go?'

SCIENCE FRICTION runs from 16/01/2004 to 28/02/2004 Riding Lights - in addition to these public performances - has received a generous grant from the Wellcome Trust for a National Young People’s Tour of Science Friction, visiting twenty five secondary schools across the UK. These visits comprise a talk by one of a team of eminent scientists, a full performance of Science Friction, and a drama workshop led by Riding Lights’ Education Officer and the cast of the show. This workshop allows the students to explore their own reactions to the issues raised in Science Friction through improvised theatre. The Wellcome Trust is an independent research charity whose mission is to foster and promote research with the aim of improving human and animal health. Allied to this is a commitment to stimulate informed public dialogue about the achievements and implications of biomedical science. 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. Admission Ł7.50 , Concessions Ł5.00
JANUARY 2004
Fri 16	YORK	Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate	0845 961 3000
Sat 17	YORK	Friargate Theatre, Lower Friargate	0845 961 3000
Fri 23	MIDDLESBROUGH	Hall Garth School, Hall Drive, Acklam	0845 961 3000
Sat 24	EDINBURGH	St Thomas' Church, Glasgow Rd	0845 961 3000
Fri 30	GLASGOW	Burnside Blairbeth Church, Church Ave, Burnside	0845 961 3000
Sat 31	LANCASTER	St Thomas's Church, Penny Street	0845 961 3000
FEBRUARY 2004
Sat 7	STONE, STAFFS	Alleyne's High School, Oulton Rd	0845 961 3000
Sat 14	HALESWORTH	The Cut, New Cut	0845 961 3000
Fri 20	BEXHILL	St Peter's Community Centre, Church St	0845 961 3000
Sat 21*	GUILDFORD	Emmanuel Church, Shepherds Ln, Stoughton	0845 961 3000
Fri 27	TIVERTON	Tiverton High School, Bolham Rd	0845 961 3000
Sat 28*	ST NEOT, NR LISKEARD	Carnglaze Caverns	0845 961 3000

All shows 7:30pm except for * 8:00pm and ** 7:45pm. Other times are shown in brackets.

These dates last updated Thu 26 February, 2004

Other show information correct as of Fri 5 December, 2003

SCIENCE FRICTION

SCIENCE FRICTION runs from 16/01/2004 to 28/02/2004