Will CRISPR gene editing change our idea of what defines a species? Is gene editing simply a continuation of our long history of modifying animals through selective breeding? Or is it something radically new?  

ITP Alum and Artist-in-Residence Heather Dewey-Hagborg and the Exploratorium present the world premiere of Xeno in Vivo, a multimedia opera and live film performance investigating xenotransplantation—in which an organ is transplanted into a human from another animal, such as a pig. The thirty-minute work, featuring a live operatic chorus, will reflect upon the ten thousand-year relationship between pigs and humans, and brings the words of scientists and archaeologists to life in song. Each night’s performance will be followed by a discussion about the work and the questions raised by the evolving biomedical technology of xenotransplantation.

Thu, Mar 7 2024 • 7:30 – 9pm

Fri, Mar 8 2024 • 7:30 – 9pm

The Exploratorium at Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street), San Francisco, CA 94111

Heather Dewey-Hagborg is a transdisciplinary artist and educator interested in art as research and critical practice. Heather’s work investigates the social implications of the technological advances of biological science to explore our human nature.