An Experiment With An Air Pump by Shelagh Stephenson (Memory of Water)  is a daring and darkly humorous play about the past and future of science and society.  Set in a large house in Newcastle Upon Tyne, the story unfolds on the eve of two new millennia in 1799 and 1999.  Using Joseph Wright’s painting entitled   “Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump” as a backdrop, the play juxtaposes the lives of two families in societies on the brink of major change.

In 1799, during a period of political and moral unrest, Joseph Fenwick, a radical-thinking physician, holds court over his drunken wife, exuberant children and like-minded friends, Armstrong and Roget (of Thesaurus fame).  Their articulate, yet patronised, maid, Isobel arouses the amours of Armstrong, a liaison that will have repercussions exactly 200 years later.

In 1999, Tom and Ellen are vacating the house while Ellen ponders accepting a job that exploits her research in genetic screening.  As the couple pack away their life and debate the moral implications of the commercial implementation of Ellen’s  discoveries, the link between the two families and centuries is exposed.

Stephenson’s play is a fascinating insight into the moral dilemmas that accompany scientific progress.  The comparison between 18th century body snatching and 20th century genetic engineering gives us a thought-provoking lesson in history.  Even after 200 years, our moral choices are no more easily made. “Poignant and highly entertaining.” 

RESERVATIONS:  Call 232-2250  $18 general admission, $16 seniors and students on Sundays only .  All tickets opening weekend $16.