In 2020, two female scientists won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. It was for the development of the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. Often referred to as “molecular scissors“ it enables scientists to perform microsurgery on DNA, but it raises ethical questions.

An all-female cast from Keisha’s imagination confront the topic of science experimentation against the backdrop of a gospel church rehearsal. The protagonist, Nana, a budding biologist, wants to use her research to secure her future with her partner, Henri, but at what cost?

This work has been supported by a grant from The Future of Human Reproduction: an innovative, interdisciplinary research programme, funded by Wellcome, exploring the cultural, ethical, legal and social challenges that will emerge as technological advances fundamentally change the possibilities for human reproduction. See https://wp.lancs.ac.uk/futureofhumanreproduction/

The work is also being supported by Contact and the ‘In Manchester’s DNA’ project, a grant awarded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. In Manchester’s DNA explores Manchester’s heritage and identity through creative community projects. See https://manchestersdna.co.uk/

The original Box of Tricks commission was supported by Eclipse Theatre, Pilot and York Theatre Royal.