Every two years since 2015, Theatre groups around the globe come together for Climate Change Theatre Action. This event aims to raise awareness about the climate crisis through short plays. These performances get staged in various formats: live readings, podcasts, or even film adaptations.
Founded by Elaine Ávila, Chantal Bilodeau, Roberta Levitow, and Caridad Svich, this initiative aligns with the United Nations Climate Change Conference meetings. Each cycle invites 50 playwrights from diverse backgrounds to create five-minute plays based on a theme. The theme for this year is “The Time Is Now.”
Gonzaga University will take part in this event for the first time in 2025. The theatre program is joining forces with the Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment to bring these plays to life. Co-directed by Lydia Borowicz and Blake Edwards, the performances will run over one weekend at Magnuson Theatre.
Borowicz discovered Climate Change Theatre Action during her master’s studies focused on climate and theatre. She and her colleagues saw this as a chance not only to engage students but also to spark crucial conversations about climate issues.
The team eagerly selected plays that reflect a variety of perspectives. For instance, some plays explore the direct impacts of climate change, while others use humor or animal characters to convey messages. “Eat the Rich” by Tira Palmquist and “Pond Life” by Elyne Quan are among the diverse selections chosen.
A unique addition will be a student-created piece, developed from the cast’s personal experiences with climate change. This aims to bring a local perspective to the event.
To unify the performances, the team will use simple set designs, relying on actors and projections to enhance storytelling. Each play has its distinct voice, but all share a common theme: engaging the audience in thoughtful reflection about climate challenges.
As a part of the event, Gonzaga is also encouraging attendees to take action against climate change. They’ll showcase various projects from different departments that tackle environmental issues. This way, the audience can see how the community is responding to the climate crisis.
The event goes beyond just entertaining. It raises essential questions about our future in the face of climate change. Instead of providing easy answers, these plays encourage people to sit with their thoughts and feelings about these pressing issues.
In a world where quick answers are often expected, this approach allows audiences to engage emotionally. The aim is not to push them for immediate solutions but to open their minds and hearts to the complexities of climate change.
For more information on climate change initiatives, visit UN Climate Change.
