A production which is unlike anything seen on the Belvoir stage before; Belvoir St Theatre presents the world premiere of Scenes from the Climate Era – a collective of more than 50 scenes written by the acclaimed climate playwright David Finnigan, from 27 May.
An immersive and thought-provoking production, Scenes from the Climate Era is set against the backdrop of a changing climate that captures the exhilaration, frustration, and fascination of living in interesting times.
A group of friends reminisce about the last time they took a flight, before all that came to an end. Landholders in Borneo confront western environmentalists over who owns the forest. A frog, the last of its species, starts calling for a mate, but there’s no-one to hear. A family takes to the water, needing a new home, new hope…
Playwright and climate expert David Finnigan (44 Sex Acts in One Week, Griffin Theatre Company’s Kill Climate Deniers) and winner of the Green Room Award for Best Writing in 2021 will be joined by Belvoir Resident Director Carissa Licciardello (A Room of One’s Own, Belvoir 25a’s The Maids) who is directing the show.
“This play is an unflinching portrayal of a world in crisis, but also a celebration of the resilience of humanity and our ability to come together and confront challenges” said Director Carissa Licciardello.
“It will be a rollercoaster of emotions that will shock, warm hearts, and at times provoke horror, but we believe audiences will walk out feeling energised and invigorated by the experience.”
The dynamic cast includes Harriet Gordon-Anderson (Bell Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Ensemble Theatre’s Boxing Day BBQ), Abbie-Lee Lewis (Wayside Bride, Counting and Cracking), Brandon McClelland (Packer & Sons), Ariadne Sgouros (25A’s Never Closer) and Charles Wu (STC’s The Lifespan of a Fact, TV’s Doctor Doctor).
“We read this and simply had to do it,” said Belvoir Artistic Director, Eamon Flack. “We haven’t had a script that’s generated quite as much energy as this one. David is a climate expert as well as a playwright, and the sheer dramatic impact of his expertise is frightening and invigorating.
“It’s not a play that wags its finger, it’s terrifically smart and human. If you’re looking for something about the big issues of this era, here’s a piece of theatre for you.”
Scenes from the Climate Era is set to leave a lasting impact on audiences and spark important conversations about our collective future.
Director: Carissa Licciardello | Featuring: Harriet Gordon-Anderson, Abbie-Lee Lewis, Brandon McClelland, Ariadne Sgouros, Charles Wu | Set & Lighting Designer: Nick Schlieper | Costume Designer: Ella Butler | Composer & Sound Designer: David Bergman | Assistant Director: Clement Rukundo | Dramaturg: Vaishnavi Suryaprakash | Observing Director: Rikiah Lizarraga | Stage Manager: Luke McGettigan | Assistant Stage Manager: Christopher Starnawski
Scenes from the Climate Era
Upstairs Theatre – Belvoir St Theatre, Belvoir Street, Surry Hills
Season: 31 May – 25 June 2023 (previews: 27 – 30 May)
Information and Bookings: www.belvoir.com.au
Image: Scenes from the Climate Era (supplied)