Using Joseph Wright's painting, An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump as an inspirational starting point, Shelagh Stephenson's An Experiment with an Air Pump explores the depth of human existence using universal conflicts such as: morals versus ethics, science versus God and right versus wrong. Since the play's premiere in 1998, it has provided a forum for hot button topics such as stem cell research, abortion, and scientific experimentation. The University of New Orleans' production not only presented the issues in the play, it strives to be an example of theatrical excellence, challenge and engage both the company and the audience.