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An Experiment With An Air Pump

Series: Modern Plays
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( 295 ratings, 31 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
An Experiment With An Air Pump by Shelagh Stephenson weaves two parallel narratives set in 1799 and 1999, exploring themes of scientific ethics and personal dilemmas. The story delves into the moral implications of scientific advancements, examining how they affect personal lives and societal norms. It draws inspiration from Joseph Wright of Derby's painting and raises questions about the consequences of ambition, both historical and contemporary.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by the intersection of science and ethics, as it weaves together historical and contemporary narratives to explore moral dilemmas faced by scientists. It may appeal to you if you're interested in how intellectual curiosity contends with personal and societal responsibilities, all set within an evocative atmosphere blending drama and thought-provoking questions.

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In 1799, on the eve of a new scentury, the house buzzes with scientific experiments, furtive romance and farcical amateur dramatics. 1999, and in a world of scientific chaos, cloning and genetic engineering, the cellar of the same house reveals a dark secret, buried for 200 years.

In 1799, on the eve of a new scentury, the house buzzes with scientific experiments, furtive romance and farcical amateur dramatics. 1999, and in a world of scientific chaos, cloning and genetic engineering, the cellar of the same house reveals a dark secret, buried for 200 years.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An Experiment with an Air Pump is Shelagh Stephenson's daring and thoughtful new play.

1799 - On the eve of a new century, the house buzzes with scientific experiments, furtive romance, and farcical amateur dramatics.

1999 - In a world of scientific chaos, cloning, and genetic engineering, the cellar of the same house reveals a dark secret buried for 200 years.

An Experiment with an Air Pump was a joint recipient of the 1997 Margaret Ramsay Award and premiered at The Royal Exchange Theatre Company, Manchester, in February 1997. It was due for a major London production in autumn 1998.

Her previous play, The Memory of Water, won the 1996 Writers' Guild Award for Best Original Radio Play and the 1997 Sony Award for Best Original Drama.

Series: Modern Plays

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  • An Experiment With An Air Pump
    An Experiment with an Air Pump is Shelagh Stephenson's daring and thoughtful new play. 1799 - On the eve of a new century, the house buzzes with scientific experiments, furtive romance, and farcical amateur dramatics. 1999 - In a world of scientific chaos, cloning, and genetic engineering, the cellar of the same house reveals a dark secret buried for 200...
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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780413733108

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 October 1998

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 134g

Pages: 96

About the Author

Shelagh Stephenson was born in Northumberland and read drama at Manchester University. Her first stage play, The Memory of Water, premiered at Hampstead Theatre in 1996 and subsequently transferred to the West End, where it won an Olivier Award for Best Comedy in 2000. Her second play, An Experiment With An Air Pump, opened at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. It was joint recipient of the Peggy Ramsay Award and later transferred to the Hampstead Theatre. Both plays subsequently ran at New York's Manhattan Theatre Club. Her third play, Ancient Lights, was produced at Hampstead Theatre in December 2000. She has written several radio plays, including the award-winning Five Kinds of Silence, which she adapted for the stage and which was presented at the Lyric, Hammersmith in 2000. Her screen adaptation of The Memory of Water was released in spring 2002 with the title Before You Go.

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    In The Memory of Water (winner of the 2000 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy), three sisters meet on the eve of their mother's funeral. As the conflicts of the past converge, everyday lies and tensions reveal the particular patterns and strains of family relationships. "Combines a flair for witty dialogue with a relish for the dynamics of theatre ......
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