Climate Theatre: Ecology and Performance in a Climate Emergency

Climate Theatre examines how distressed environments are portrayed through theatrical and performance arts.

Despite variations in form and location, the volume unites diverse geographical settings through their shared concern with the effects of rising temperatures on land, sea, sky, and beyond. Throughout history, theatre and performance have mirrored society’s most pressing moral, ethical, and sociopolitical challenges. Today, various performance traditions--from ritual practices to cultural activism and historical reenactments--are being reassessed for their environmental resilience and ecological consciousness. The collection also showcases innovative contemporary works that position climate as a dynamic and meaningful presence within drama, performance, activism, and art. These contributions reflect the global nature of climate challenges while carefully articulating the nuanced perspectives emerging from different geographical contexts.

This volume will particularly appeal to performance scholars, environmental humanities researchers, climate activists, theatre practitioners, and students seeking to understand the intersection of artistic expression and ecological crisis in our rapidly changing world.

Denise Varney is Professor of Theatre Studies at the University of Melbourne

Peter Eckersall is the Sidney E. Cohn Professor in Theatre at the Graduate Center, CUNY, NY

Jen Parker-Starbuck is Professor of Theatre and Performance at Royal Holloway, University of London