LATE at the Museum Media Release:
Just because something is bad, doesn’t mean it isn’t good – would it be a ‘tragedy’ not to take advantage of CRISPR gene-editing?

For immediate release
Monday 17 September 2018

The final LATE for 2018 on Wednesday 10 October, CRISPR – Utopian or Dystopian? Post-Nature, explores the fast pace change of our ethical landscape when it comes to genetic science and how its developments influence our society. CRISPR technology is used to alter DNA sequences and modify genes, its many potential applications include: correcting genetic defects and disorders, treating and preventing the spread of diseases, and improving crops.

However, it also raises ethical concerns, especially around genetic modifications to human embryos and reproductive cells. With questions such as: would it be a ‘tragedy’ not to take advantage of CRISPR gene-editing and gene-manipulation? Or does the real tragedy lie in creating a genetic upper caste and designer babies?

Will the ‘slippery slope’ of technology seduce society into going places it shouldn’t? Can CRISPR help all of us or just the most privileged? Where do we draw a moral line, for how long and why? Have we truly arrived to a space where things are not black and white and are questioning what it means to be human?

These questions and more will be addressed in the LATE 2018 smart talk CRISPR – Utopian or Dystopian? Post-Nature moderated by Russell Brown, owner of the Canon award-winning Public Address website.

This thought provoking panel discussion features:

• Tim Dare, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Auckland;

• Peter Fineran, Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Otago;

• Dr Heather Hendrickson, Senior Lecturer in Molecular Bioscience at Massey University in Auckland; and

• Maui Hudson, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Maori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Waikato.

On the night, in the spirit of futurism and CRISPR, comedy duo Chris Parker and Thomas Sainsbury invite us to playfully imagine the world in the post-human context with vignettes from Giggly Gerties, a comedy techno-thriller.

Giggly Gerties the brain child of 2018 FRED Award winner Chris Parker (Funny Girls, Jono and Ben) and Snapchat sensation Thomas Sainsbury (Shortland Street, Wellington Paranormal), is where Black Mirror meets French and Saunders.

Tim Hart, Director Public Experience, Auckland War Memorial Museum says “This LATE will be focusing on our collective futures and the technology that will be driving it. It’s important to create a space that provides audiences with an opportunity to hear, engage and respond to a wide variety of socially, politically or culturally relevant topics, as well as offer multiple perspectives and opinions on those topics.”

Join us for contemplation and exchange that brings ideas and people together. Last year’s season of LATE events was a sell-out, with the combination of lively debate, entertainment and food and drinks, attracting large audiences.

Our special exhibition Are We There Yet? Women and Equality in Aotearoa will be open late.

LATE AT THE MUSEUM 2018:
CRISPR – Utopian or Dystopian? Post-Nature
WED 10 OCT, 6PM - 9.30PM, AUCKLAND MUSEUM, EVENTS CENTRE

Tickets available from www.aucklandmuseum.com

© Scoop Media