'Spring’s Decline' at Guild Theatre

With the best of intentions, what could possibly go wrong?

Spring's Decline is a play that transcends time and space, challenging our perception of scientific progress and its consequences.

Interweaving the stories of Thomas Midgley Jr., the brilliant yet controversial inventor of leaded gasoline and chlorofluorocarbons, and Jonathan Shanklin, the scientist who played a major part in the discovery of the hole in the ozone layer, it is a profound exploration of human hubris and the delicate balance between innovation and environmental stewardship.

Spring's Decline transports audiences across decades, from the early 20th century to a haunting vision of 2070. As the stories of Midgley and Shanklin collide, the play confronts us with the ethical dilemmas that arise when scientific breakthroughs outpace our understanding of their far-reaching implications.

With a non-linear narrative and postdramatic structure, Spring's Decline invites audiences to grapple with the complexities of our relationship with nature and the consequences of our actions.

This is an early work-in progress reading, giving audiences a glimpse of the development process, Spring’s Decline highlights science in a very human conversation. As an audience member you will be given the opportunity to help shape the future of this play's final form.