September 25-27, October 1-4, October 8-11
at Ancram Center for the Arts

by Caryl Churchill

A beguiling hour-long psychological thriller that blends topical scientific speculation with a stunning portrait of the relationship between fathers and their sons. The story, set in the near future, is structured around the conflict between a father and his three sons–two of whom are clones of the first one. The play addresses the subject of human cloning and identity, especially nature versus nurture and, ahead of its time, glimpses at life in AI. With all three sons portrayed by the same actor, the play’s inquiry about the uniqueness of an individual’s identity is dramatically rendered. Many critics over the years have lauded A Number, arguing Churchill created a work of significant intellectual depth with a potent economy of style.

"Rarely in my theatre going experience has a new play conveyed such a disturbing or enthralling impression of domestic weirdness.... An astonishing event.'' - Evening Standard

“Magnificent.... Contains more drama, and more ideas, than most manage in a dozen full-length works.... It combines elegant structural simplicity with an astonishing intellectual and emotional depth.... What a tremendous play this is, moving, thought-provoking and dramatically thrilling.'' –Daily Telegraph

"Churchill's power to grip an audience is an extraordinary thing. Her plays perform a pincer-movement on your attention. Their ear for a subject of real concern ... has always been acute, and often prescient.'' –The Observer

Caryl Churchill is