Part of Being Human Festival 2026. A staged reading of the play "The Valley Children" followed by an audience discussion.

Staged reading of an original theatrical script, set in a near- future world of newborn genomic prediction, along with audience Q&A. Organised & funded by ANTITHESES
‘The Valley Children: A theatrical event exploring the future of genetics’ will use dramatic narrative and audience discussion to explore questions of decision-making, uncertainty, responsibility and care in the context of predictive genomics, particularly around new born sequencing and its implications for families, clinicians and society.
A performed reading of the original script by Felix Westcott, will be followed by a panel and audience discussion event, including experts in medical ethics, medical philosophy and genomics, creative writing and theatre.
This is a free public event recommended for ages 16+.
This event is part of Being Human Festival, the UK’s national festival of the humanities, taking place 5-14 November 2026. Led by the School of Advanced Study, University of London, in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy.