Lincoln conference announcement and CFP

[Daniel Meyer-Dinkgrafe]

Taboos - Sex in the Age of Technological Reproduction

Conference University of Lincoln, 10-11 May 2010

 

In 1951, Carl Djerassi (b. 1923) "invented" the Contraceptive Pill. For the past 20 years he has turned to writing novels and plays about science. His plays focus on major events and characters in the history of science, and on the ethical implications of newly developing means of ART (assisted reproductive technology), such as in vitro fertilisation and ICSI (the successful fertilisation of a human egg with a single sperm by direct injection under the microscope, followed by re-insertion of the egg into the woman's uterus). 

 

Over two days, May 10 and 11, 2010, the Lincoln School of Humanities and Performing Arts at the University of Lincoln, UK, hosts a unique gathering of people involved in these developments:

 

The event is organised by Andy Jordan, professional director and producer, and Senior Lecturer in the Lincoln School of Humanities and Performing Arts, who directed and produced the first productions of all of Carl Djerassi's stage and radio plays. For the conference, he directs the rehearsed reading of the latest version of Djerassi's play Taboos.

 

Carl Djerassi himself will present a keynote address, will take part in the performance of his play, ICSI: A Pedagogic Wordplay for Two Voices, will attend a rehearsed reading of a new version of his play Taboos, and will be a major contributor to a round table discussion on ART and the emerging genre of science-in-theatre, of which he has been a pioneer. 

 

Those invited to participate in the conference, as keynote presenters or contributors to the general debates and the round table discussion include André C. Van Steirteghem, one of the team of scientists who first reported the successful implementation of ICSI.

 

We now welcome papers addressing any aspect of ART, the science, the ethical implication, and the representation of ART in the arts, in particular theatre. Please send an abstract with a brief biographical note to conferences at lincoln.ac.uk <mailto:conferences at lincoln.ac.uk>  by 9 April 2010

 

Even if you do not wish to contribute a paper, the event will be unique, bringing together scientists and artists in a genuine debate of one of the most important issues of our time. Email conferences at lincoln.ac.uk to be kept up to date