Kelly Reay is excited to revisit Blood: A Scientific Romance running, Feb. 12-15 in University Theatre.
“ It’s a modern Canadian play by Meg Braem. Meg has a connection to Lethbridge because she was a professor at the University of Lethbridge around 2010,” Reay, said, adding he also has a personal connection to the play as he worked with Braem to put on the play in Calgary several years ago.

“ Filled with visceral imagery and haunting dialogue, Blood: A Scientific Romance is a captivating play featuring a rich cast of characters,”  according to a press release on the play. Guest director, Kelly Reay is doing double duty, as he is also directing New West Theatre’s March production of Dear Johnny Deere which runs March 4-14.

“Twin sisters Poubelle and Angelique are bonded in both biology and shared tragedy after a car accident leaves them orphaned along a prairie highway in a pool of blood. But the young twins are brought home with Dr. Glass after their remarkable recovery, and quickly find themselves the subject of endless experiments. In a quest to study Poubelle and Angelique’s undeniable bond, Dr Glass’ questionable practices are soon scrutinized by a young doctor who might be the twins’ only hope for a normal life,” according to the press release.

The small cast features Daylin Chase, Jessica Syratt as the twins Poubelle and  Angelique Patrick Lynn as the young doctor Dr.Max and Paul Vanhoutteghem as Dr. Glass.
Reay was drawn to the play because  of the writing.

“It explores a lot of ethical issues about research,” he said.

“Meg is a lovely writer. Her characters are very real,” he said
“Blood is about twin girls whose parents are killed in a car accident and Dr. Glass takes them home  and uses them as research subjects.
 The accident happens when the twins are  seven, an d the play takes place as they turn 17.

“ So Dr. Glass experiments on them for 10 years,” Reay said.
“ He is interested in  how they survived and the connection they have. There are a lot of ethical questions explored,” he continued.
 There are science fiction elements to the play as well as exploring a lot of ethical issues, but it is also a spectacular theatrical experience.

“The set is really amazing and Kelly Roberts composed a beautiful soundtrack for the show on piano,” he said.

Tickets for Blood: A Scientific Romance are available at the University Box Office, Monday – Friday (12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m), by calling 403-329-2616 or online uLethbridge.ca/tickets. Tickets are $18 regular, $13 senior and alumni and $12 students. Themes are mature with scenes depicting graphic medical procedures. The show is at 7:30 p.m. each night., tonight until Feb. 15.