Turning Climate Anxiety into Climate Action with Theatre of the Oppressed

WHY?

Often climate change messaging towards young people focuses on individual change. It asks us to recycle, switch to reusable items instead of single-use, track our carbon footprint, adopt vegetarian or vegan diets because it is better for the planet, etc. And though these actions are valuable and done with good intentions, they will not be enough to stop the 1.5°C rise in the global temperature when corporations and billionaires are emitting more carbon in a few minutes than everyday people do in a year. It is through building community, organising, and recognising the power of collective action that young people stand the greatest chance of change making. However, the overwhelmingness of the situation leaves many feeling powerless, which in turn leads to anxiety, and eventually, apathy.

THE WORKSHOP

Through this project, young people have opportunity to come together, act creatively, and recognise the value of and need for their contribution to climate activist spaces.

Participants will be led through creative theatre exercises that facilitate discussion and reflection on local environmental issues. No theatre experience is neccessary - everyone is invited!!

Theatre of the Oppressed works to democratise art by making every person an actor, with the creator of Theatre of the Opressed Augusto Boal famously stating “Anyone can do theatre, even actors.”

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

Besides having a fun time trying something new surrounding a topic that you care about, participants will recieve lunch as part of the event and a £40 local giftcard on completion of the workshop, as compensation for their time and to value their contribution to the workshop.

Spots are limited so please reserve a ticket now to avoid dissapointment.

THE FACILITATOR

Olivia Maurer is an artist and researcher based in Glasgow. Originally from New Orleans, her lived experience with climate change-induced migration following Hurricane Katrina has underpinned her work. She is currently undertaking a PhD in Urban Studies at the University of Glasgow focused on using Theatre of the Oppressed as a tool in place-based research.

This project has been made possible through the support of In Place of War's 100 Agents of Climate Change Project.

Host or Publisher Olivia Maurer