103636/Z/14/Z: Am I Dead Yet?

Project Summary:Unlimited Theatre, an award-winning theatre company based in Leeds, will develop and create a brand new theatre production, Am I Dead Yet? The show will be a storytelling piece that explores leading-edge developments in the science of resuscitation, and the ethical, social and philosophical questions these raise. Through a process of research and collaboration with our key research collaborator, resuscitation specialist Dr Sam Parnia (University of Southampton, Stony Brook University), we'l l investigate the idea that death is no longer a moment, but a process that can be reversed. As storytellers, we will explore the impact that contemporary advancements in resuscitation science have on our fundamental understanding about death. The show will formally place our research at the heart of the show, applying it to the imagined future lives of the two performers in a funny, detailed and moving portrait of two friends facing up to their own mortality. This application is to support the process of research, writing and development over the first half of 2014, leading up to a premiere at the Edinburgh Festival, Summer 2014. The show will be developed with the support of West Yorkshire Playhouse, and will open at Northern Stages venue at St Stephens. Alongside the theatre production, we will also create a digital playscript for tablets and smartphones, to accompany the show. The show will also go on to have a strong touring life in the UK and internationally beyond the sco pe of this grant.

Grant Holder:Mr Ric Watts

Organisation:Unlimited Theatre

Financial Year:2013/2014