An Immaculate Misconception (Part 1)

Playwright and scientist Carl Djerassi took a particular interest in assisted reproductive technology, and all of its ethical implications. As the inventor of the oral contraceptive pill, Djerassi was uniquely qualified to address concerns about the future of reproduction, a topic he explored in "An Immaculate Misconception." It's a story about the conflicts of interest that result when emotions overrule objectivity, and science becomes inseparable from the scientist. The broadcast includes a conversation with Liza Mundy, author of "Everything Conceivable: How Assisted Reproduction Is Changing Men, Women, and the World." Starring JoBeth Williams as Dr. Melanie Laidlaw, Philip Casnoff as Menachem Dvir, Kevin Kilner as Dr. Felix Frankenthaler, and Kendall Schmidt as Adam. Directed by Jenny Sullivan. This play is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series of science-themed plays. Lead funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, bridging science and the arts in the modern world.