Babel by Jacqueline Goldfinger

What would you do if you had the power to build your own baby? And a best friend who is a talking Stork? In this version of a near future society, prospective parents learn within the first weeks of conception which genetic traits their child will have, and what behaviors they are likely to exhibit. Based on these test results, the parent(s) are either issued a PRE certification which legally guarantees the...
What would you do if you had the power to build your own baby? And a best friend who is a talking Stork? In this version of a near future society, prospective parents learn within the first weeks of conception which genetic traits their child will have, and what behaviors they are likely to exhibit. Based on these test results, the parent(s) are either issued a PRE certification which legally guarantees the baby will be a "good" person or not. Without the certification, the child will be limited in what it is allowed to do. Two couples collide over what to do with their PRE certification test results. With rapid advances in reproductive technology, modern eugenics is science’s Wild West. What will we do to “civilize” it and ourselves? How far will we go when playing God? If you like Booker’s “Black Mirror,” Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go,” or Haley’s “The Nether,” but wish they had a few more laughs, then this play is for you.
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Babel

Recommended by

  • Massi Monfiletto:
    15 Nov. 2019
    “ What a dark and complicated work. I love the density of ideas and the wonderfully suspenseful plot. A wonderful read! ”
  • Nick Malakhow:
    14 Nov. 2019
    “ What a compelling world Goldfinger has built in "Babel!" I am perhaps most astounded by her ability to achieve such masterful world-building in an intimate four character piece. Additionally, unlike many other science fiction/dystopian plays, "Babel" doesn't sacrifice nuanced characters in order to just simply focus on clearly established setting and atmosphere--it has ot all! I sincerely hope this play has a long life--it is great to see that it's getting so many upcoming productions! I hope to see one soon. ”
  • Marjorie Bicknell:
    11 Nov. 2019
    “ "Maybe if God did a better job, we wouldn't have to play him."
    Imagine wanting a baby with your whole heart, and then learning that if she's born, she'll live the life of a prisoner. Constantly limited. Constantly monitored. Always thought of as a "monster." With no escape and no reprieve. What would you decide? That's the question Jacqueline Goldfinger explores in a play that is as beautiful as it is terrifying. An extremely prescient look at science, eugenics, and a world where your DNA is your destiny. Highly recommended! ”
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This play is set in a future where genetic testing has become so fine tuned that most -isms (racism, sexism, etc) have been generally replaced with genetic discrimination. Therefore, the casting is very flexible.

Development History

Production History

Awards

Nominee
,
Blackburn Prize
,
2019
Nominee
,
Weissberger Award
,
2019
Selection
,
The Kilroy's List
,
2019
Winner
,
Smith Prize for Political Theatre
,
2017
Selection
,
Independence Foundation Fellowship in the Arts
,
2017