In Case of Emergency
A new verbatim play about the trial of six medics – a story of protest, courage, care and hope, written by April de Angelis and directed by Ian Rickson.
In June 2024, six medics stood trial in Snaresbrook Crown Court for causing criminal damage, or, as they argued, for trying to preserve human life and prevent suffering.
CCTV footage showed the medics cracking the windows of the multinational investment bank JP Morgan.
The medics pleaded ‘not guilty’.
What had led highly respected doctors and nurses to take this action? And once they had explained their reasons, would the jury acquit them?
The medics’ defence contained some of the most urgent, personal and persuasive arguments yet heard on the subject of public health and climate change.
The trial raises moral questions that deserve the widest possible engagement.
This is a powerful story of protest, courage, care and hope.
Cast: Jack Riddiford, James Corrigan, Helen Schlesinger, Kirsty Bushell, Lucy Briers, Michael Simkins, Sarah Malin and Sean Gilder.
Lighting Designer: Paule Constable.
Sound Designer: Genevieve Dawson.
Movement Director: Anna Morrissey.
Associate Director: Hannah Hauer-King.
Stage Manager: Lorna Earl.
In Case of Emergency is a collaboration between playwright April De Angelis, artist Clare Patey and Director Ian Rickson – members of the Hard Art Collective – and journalist Robert Butler, who attended the trial. It is produced by Empathy Museum and is supported by Open Society Foundations, Coral and Brian Eno.
Need to know
Purcell Room Auditorium, Wed 21 Jan: This post-show talk has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer, Sat 24 Jan (7.30pm performance): A post-show conversation with the audience in the foyer of the Queen Elizabeth Hall. This will take the form of reflective conversations in small groups each facilitated by someone from either psychology, climate, activism, public health, faith or the arts. Free to ticket holders.
Access
An Audio Described (AD) introduction will be sent to ticket holders prior to the performance.
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This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre
The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
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