As part of VIVID Ideas this year, Seymour Centre puts on 2071 – a theatrical performance about exposing the truth about today’s biggest threat to humankind, climate change. The aim of the show is to inform the audience of our planet’s situation — and the enormity of it.
Adapted and updated from the words of renowned Professor Chris Rapley, it starts off explaining the timeline of Earth’s climate history and the courses it has gone through up to our current state. Narrated by actor John Gaden with the help of young actors from the Australian Theatre for Young People, the performance explains the science and complexities of our planet’s atmosphere from its past, present, and into the future.
The visuals of the show were certainly a highlight, the projections on the stage floor and backdrop were very stimulating and helpful with understanding the script. The young actors were also devices in entertaining the audience visually. They bring a certain aura to this show, the idea of young people dictating a speech that will affect their future generations. The hour-long show promises science geeks and sceptics will be informed and intrigued about what the next millennia will inherit, which is the forefront of any environmental/political agenda today.
2071 explores the bare reality about our current impending ‘doom’ and the cause of it all – humans. The struggle with today’s millennials in tackling the biggest issue is understanding all the jargon and complicated words of scientists and studies. 2071 seeks to let the facts speak for themselves.
As the show reveals, 2071 promises a dynamic performance about the most urgent call and the biggest threat to humankind, and it reminds us that it needs a collective force by everyone. Every person, city, country and levels of government. It is an intimate overview of what’s to happen, and a cry for action.
– Kevin
Kevin Rodrigueza is a 21-year-old Sydney local who enjoys burgers, theatre and all things culture. Follow his adventures at @kevinr___.
2071 runs 26 May to 10 June 2017. Buy tickets now.
Read our guide to VIVID Sydney for more events to head to.
