Stunted Trees and Broken Bridges
Written by Ben Musgrave / Produced by Theatre of Debate
Facilitator Notes
Introduction
Stunted Trees and Broken Bridges is Y Touring Theatre Company’s Theatre of Debate production developed in partnership with the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, the British Neuroscience Association and the Association of Medical Research Charities.
The starting point for this project was the Nuffield Council on Bioethics’ consultation on ‘Novel Neurotechnologies: intervening in the brain’ which explores the ethical issues raised by technologies and devices that intervene in the brain.
This pack outlines the learning objectives and opportunities that the project offers and provides you with background information to support any follow up work you may choose to do. It also offers you a menu of four cross curricular activities which you may choose to use prior to our visit to your school.
Learning Objectives
As a consequence of participation in the Stunted Trees and Broken Bridges Theatre of Debate production we hope that most of the audience will:
- Report increased awareness about how new developments in science could have an impact on their lives in the future;
- Contribute to a debate which examines the ethical issues raised through advances in neurotechnologies;
- Have valued the opportunity to participate in a Theatre of Debate production;
- Be able to demonstrate acquired knowledge in at least one of the more detailed learning opportunities (see next section).
We recognise that some individuals in the audience will gain a wider range of benefits, including; a more reflective approach to developments in scientific research, improved knowledge and understanding of the full range of learning points and articulation of associated feelings.
In addition we hope that some of the audience will:
- Report that the Theatre of Debate production has impacted upon their feelings about the role of research and its implications for human health;
- Be able to demonstrate acquired knowledge in more than one of the learning opportunities;
- Demonstrate ability to evaluate the live performance commenting on aspects such as scenic elements, characterisation and plot;