Y Touring Theatre Company

Y Touring uses live performance and other communication tools, including technology tools, in an effort to engage young people emotionally and intellectually with scientific issues that may not be high on their agendas. For instance, the 1995 play, "The Gift", focused on genetic selection. Since then, plays have covered a wide range of topics, such as mental health, clinical trials, and the use of animals in medical research.

To explore one Y Touring initiative in depth, "Dayglo" is designed for 14 to 16-year-old students. It aims to explore the issues raised by advances in pharmacogenetics and genetic testing - specifically, the new science of personalising medical treatments according to our genes. The story revolves around Stella, a character who "is desperate to explore what choices are open to her mother Evelyn, who is battling breast cancer - she is eager to fan the flames of hope and have a mother restored to her but the odds are precariously stacked against them." Each performance is followed by a live debate, using electronic voting technology, during which students are encouraged to explore what they think and feel about the issues posed by the play. In addition, Y Touring created an interactive, multimedia flipchart which is designed to be used prior to a live performance of Dayglo in a school or to be used by any teacher looking at advances in medical research in relation to the outcomes of the human genome project - specifically, genetic tests, inherited genetic disorders (sickle cell anaemia and forms of breast cancer), and advances in pharmacogentics. It features interviews with the playwright and the National Health Service (NHS) Chair of Pharmacogenetics. It also contains interactive student activities on breast cancer and the ethical questions posed by advances in pharmacogenetics, genetic screening and testing, and punk music, as well as extensive background notes for teachers.

Y Touring's website includes details about all projects/performances, links to resources, and a blog that features a series of essays and interviews with those who have contributed to the company's work.

Health, Youth.