Stunted Trees and Broken Bridges
Written by Ben Musgrave / Produced by Theatre of Debate
Focus
Ethical issues raised by advances in neurotechnoloy and neurojustice, brain, novel neurotechnologies. Identity, mental health and well being.
Audience
Young people (14 plus) and adults
Resources
Available for teachers and students, science communicators and health workers
Full Film
Available through Theatre of Debate, with subtitles by Stagetext
Length
59 Minutes
Overview
After the death of his Mother, Emerson experiences volatile episodes, leading to his expulsion from school and ultimately a violent outburst. Despite Emersonʼs increasingly erratic behaviour and hostility, his girlfriend, Hayley, and sympathetic friend, Miles, continue to offer their support, encouraging him to seek help.
Facing trial and becoming increasingly concerned about his inability to control his behaviour, Emerson reluctantly agrees to undergo a brain scan.
This scan will determine if he has a brain abnormality and can therefore plead diminished responsibility in court.
The outcome of the scan will govern his future, but how reliable is this new technology, and what are the consequences of using it in this way?
Set in the near future, Ben Musgrave’s haunting play, provides a starting point for debating the importance of brain research for the enrichment of human life and for the understanding of diseases and disorders of the nervous system.
Developed with the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, The Royal Society and supported by the Wellcome trust.
View the trailer
Cast
Petrice Jones
as Emerson
Heather Bleasdale
as Jeanette/Mother
Tom Leach
as Miles/Judge
Sophie Gerrish
as Hayley
Synopsis
Set in the year 2017. The story revolves around a young man, Emerson, who begins to experience volatile episodes after the death of his mother. He is expelled from school after a violent outburst and then seriously assaults a rival when provoked.
Despite Emerson’s increasingly erratic behaviour and hostility his girlfriend, Hayley, and sympathetic friend, Miles, continue to offer their support, encouraging him to seek help.
Facing trial and becoming increasingly concerned about his inability to control his behaviour, Emerson reluctantly agrees to undergo a brain scan.
This scan will determine if he has a brain abnormality and can therefore plead diminished responsibility in court. The outcome of the scan will govern his future, but how reliable is this new technology, and what are the consequences of using it in this way?
Developed in partnership with
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics
The Royal Society the British Neuroscience Association
The Association of Medical Research charities
Supported by the Wellcome trust and The Royal Albert Hall Education
Created in collaboration with
Professor Jonathan Cole, Honorary Senior Lecturer in Clinical Neurosciences, University of Southampton
Professor Jenny Kitzinger, Professor of Communications Research, Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, Cardiff University
Dr Sophie Petit-Zeman, Scientific Advisor to Y Touring Theatre Company
Dr Liz Philpots, Head of Research, Association of Medical Research Charities
Professor Steven Rose, Emeritus Professor of Neurobiology, Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, Open University and Emeritus Professor of Genetics and Society, Gresham College, London
Professor Sophie Scott, Wellcome Senior Research Fellow in Basic Biomedical Science and Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London
Elaine Snell, Chief Operating Officer, British Neuroscience Association
Sarah Walker-Robson, Acting Communications Manager, Nuffield Council on Bioethics
Professor Vincent Walsh, Professor of Human Brain Research, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London
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