The Weill Cornell Clinical and Translational Science Center (CTSC) invites the New York City community to join the conversation about the ethics of genetic interventions, including “designer babies” and “savior siblings,” at a free one-night-only presentation of the new rock opera Playing God, created by Finnish bioethicists and musicians Matti Häyry and Tuija Takala and legendary drummer Corky Laing (of the celebrated rock band Mountain). Performed in Switzerland and Finland, Playing God is making its U.S. debut at the Danny Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College on April 23, 2015.

Playing God tells the story of a fictional small town whose inhabitants have enjoyed the benefits of gene technology for decades. As the paths of the young characters—whose lives, loves and futures have been shaped by genetic intervention—collide, the secrets, sacrifices and ethical compromises of the community are exposed. Through the story, music and characters, Playing God challenges the audience to study their own ethical convictions, raising open-ended questions about parental choices, perfection, identity and what it means to be human in a world when our fundamental genes are open to manipulation. Playing God has been critically praised and likened to such classic rock theatre pieces as Tommy, The Wall and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Following the performance, there will be an ethics panel discussion moderated by Joseph J. Fins, MD, The E. William Davis, Jr. MD, Professor of Medical Ethics and Chief of the Division of Medical Ethics, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Director of the Research Ethics Consultation Service, Weill Cornell CTSC.

Please extend the invitation to your colleagues, students, and community, and RSVP to this free event at http://ctsc.med.cornell.edu/PlayingGodRocks.