For Immediate Release January 18, 2006

For More Information Contact: Diane Brown, 317-274-7711 habrown@iupui.edu

IUPUI Professor to Lead “Cloning” Talk Following Phoenix Play

INDIANAPOLIS – How about an afternoon at the theatre for an onstage family drama followed by an intellectual discussion of human “cloning” in laymen's terms?

The Phoenix, a professional contemporary live theatre company in downtown Indianapolis, will present its final performance of “A Number,” a play about human cloning, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 at the theatre, 749 N. Park Avenue.

Following the play, IUPUI professor Eric M. Meslin will lead a 15-20 minute open discussion about human cloning. Dr. Meslin is director of the IU Center for Bioethics at IUPUI and assistant dean for bioethics at the IU School of Medicine.

Since human cloning is an issue relevant to any audience member, “we were looking for someone to lead us in looking at what the ethical issues are and helping us think about the basics of human cloning,” said Phoenix Managing Director Sharon Gamble.

Audience members can ask questions and make comments during Meslin's presentation which starts around 3:15 p.m. The discussion is free and open to the general public.

“A Number,” written by British playwright Caryl Churchill, “is fast-paced, (runs) about 65 minutes, as is extremely absorbing,” Gamble said. “For the first part of the play, it is a mystery.”

The play is recommended for those of middle-school age and older. Ticket sales are $15 for those under age 25; and $25 for those 25 and older. For tickets, call (317) 635-7529. ###