Insufficiency represents an example of the field of beer and champagne bubbles, where to topics of academic tenure and fashion in chemistry are analyzed.
Play title: Insufficiency (from the anthology Chemistry in Theatre)
Author (s): Carl Djerassi
Publisher: Imperial College Press
Publication Date: 2012
Genre: Drama
Primary Discipline: Chemistry
Scientist (s): Fictional
Source Texts: Unknown
Character Breakdown: 3 Men, 1 Woman
Prosecutor, Jerzy Krzyz or Jean de la Croix, Leo Bramble, Stefania Nowak
Setting: Varies
Time Period: Varies
Synopsis of Play: The introduction to the anthology examines the questions “What can science do for theatre?” and “What can theatre do for science?” thus raising challenges for both theatre and professionals and scientists. Unusually, this book deals with plays first and foremost as reading material – as texts to be read alone or in dramatic readings – rather than emphasizing performances on the stage. Concrete examples are given to demonstrate the potential pedagogic value of using the dialogic style and plot structure of plays in science. with the focus on chemistry.
Very few books have dealt with the subject of science-in-theatre and virtually none with chemistry-in-theatre. Insufficiency represents an example of the field of beer and champagne bubbles, where to topics of academic tenure and fashion in chemistry are analyzed. (play text cover blurb, Imperial College Press)
First Performance Date: September 20th, 2012
First Producer: Riverside Studios
Performance History: Insufficiency by Carl Djerassi premiered in London at Riverside Studios on September 20th, 2012 and was directed by Andy Jordan. The Bulgaria premiere was at American University on May 9th, 2013 and was directed by Nedyalko Delchev. Insufficiency premiered in America in San Francisco at “Z Below” (470 FloriDa St.) directed by Andy Jordan, scenic design by James Faerron, lights by Jim Cave, sound by Lawton Lovely. http://www.djerassi.com/insufficiency/performance_schedule.html
Links: https://www.economist.com/prospero/2012/09/26/a-chemical-comedy-of-manners
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/sep/09/carl-djerassi-insufficiency-play-interview
https://www.viennareview.net/on-the-town/on-stage/staging-science-provoking-thought
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGPek5FmX8c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olGCbaIik9c
Entered by: Meaghan Yesford
Photo/Visual Research with citations
Riverside Studio Theatre, Sept. 20th, 2012