Theatre, cancer and ethics: new play Genesis at the Lowry Salford

Developed in collaboration with Manchester-based charity Prevent Breast Cancer, this newly commissioned piece of theatre explores the pioneering research and the complexities which emerge in the field of preventative medicine. Written by Frazer Flintham (New Vic, BBC Drama) and directed by Charlotte Bennett (a founding member of the Forward Theatre Project), the play takes inspiration from interviews with medical professionals as well as patients and their families. The predicaments and dilemmas of scientific research are seen through the eyes of Rachel, a leading geneticist. She identifies gene mutations that increase the risk of developing breast cancer, allowing action to be taken before the disease has even had chance to develop. Further complexiites arise when she discovers that she and her daughter might be carrying the mutation.

Fri 11 Nov – Sat 12 Nov, The Lowry, The Quays, Pier 8, Salford, M50 3AZ. Tel: 0843 208 6000, times vary, £10-12, www.thelowry.com