The programme is available as a PDF (1.8MB) here.
The programme will be supplied in hard copy to all registrants.
When arriving at Christchurch airport we recommend using
Corporate Cabs who accept credit cards and EFT-POS. Your fare from the airport to your accomodation or the conference centre will be about NZ$42. Your ride can be pre-booked by calling them on
ph 03 379 58888 or 0800 789 789.
A highlight of the social programme for Bio Ed 2009 is the premiere performance of the play "Collapsing Creation".
2009 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, the father of the concept of evolution, and the 150th anniversary of the publication of “On the Origin of Species”. To celebrate, a new play, Collapsing Creation, will consider the dilemmas Darwin faced in going public about his theory of evolution.
The play, written by Arthur Meek and directed by Steven Whiting, will have its premier performance on Darwin’s birthday, 12 February, in the James Hay Theatre, Christchurch. The play will then tour New Zealand’s larger cities.
Arthur Meek is an award-winning actor, short filmmaker and playwright. Arthur's 2008 show 'On the Conditions and Possibilities of Helen Clark Taking Me as Her Young Lover' took the country by storm, playing to packed houses, garnering best production of the year nominations and picking up awards throughout the country. In 2008 he was judged most promising male newcomer at the Chapmann Tripp Theatre Awards. His musical comedy band The Lonesome Buckwhips are Billy T Nominees and are currently recording a series with Radio New Zealand. Other work includes the short film 'Being John Campbell' (2002), which won awards around the country, his play 'The Cottage' (2006) which was awarded the Best Newcomer of the Fringe, 'Return of the Lonesome Buckwhips' (2007) which was awarded Best Comedy at the NZ International Fringe Festival. He was commissioned to write' Yolk for Young and Hungry's' 2008 season of plays for young people.
Steven Whiting gained first class BA (Hons) in drama from University of Manchester; Master of Theatre Arts in direction from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. Directing credits: Schwartz The Dragon (VIS), Dorfman Death and the Maiden, Widows (UMDS), Crimp Attempts on her Life, Cavell/Whiting/Roche Bent Not Broken (Chilli&Lime), Various Great Opera Moments (NSOS); Wrubel On Story (Six O’Clock Swill). Assistant direction credits: Faust, La Traviata, Turandot, La Bohème, Jenůfa (NBRNZO); Polly (NZSM); The Restaurant of Many Orders (The Playground). Documentary directing credits: Streetlife (Free Radical Productions), The Babel Project (The Peace Foundation). Taught movement and stagecraft at the New Zealand Opera School in 2007.
On Sunday a drama group from Hutt Valley High, Wellington, will perform a play titled "Unnatural Selection", written by acclaimed writer Bernard Beckett.
“Julia is preparing a presentation on Evolution for a Breakfast Television slot. Julia's best friend Sophie has met a man, Max, who might just be the one. Max however is a Creationist and Sophie begs Julia to consider changing her topic. Meanwhile Amanda, television producer, is struggling to understand the concepts and is asking Julia to make it 'a little bit simpler.' And then Max falls for Julia...”
