Summary

Selection is about a neurobiologist, Peter, so entrenched in his religious beliefs he can’t face the truth of his own identity. Switching between Peter’s troubled relationships with his lover, Dale, and minister father in the past and his current life with wife, Josephine, and gay son, Nate, we see Peter’s battle with play out. While working with his lab partner, Kate, he discovers the gene that can ‘switch’ the sexuality of a fruit fly. Peter’s reaction to this discovery ignites an fight with his son, forcing Peter to confront his own fears and deceptions.



Background

The idea for Selection came while watching BBC’s incredible documentary series Planet Earth. One of the scenes reminded me of research I’d read about some years earlier wherein a team of scientists had found a way to alter the genes of fruit flies and make them homosexual. I wondered what sort of person would be involved in that research; who would want proof that homosexuality is a genetic trait? Peter was the man I thought of; someone who wants to be able to say it’s not his fault. I submitted the play to Walterdale Theatre Associates for their Footlight Festival and was accepted. I further developed the play with the mentorship of playwright/actor Jonathan Seinan.



Productions

Premiere Production - Walterdale Theatre Associates - May 2009



Preview



For more information on Selection or to enquire on producing rights, please contact me at justen@justenbennett.ca.