Outdoor Climate Change Theater Inspires Action in Freeport
UPDATE: An engaging Climate Change Theatre Action event unfolded on October 21, 2023, at the picturesque Wolfe’s Neck Center in Freeport, Maine, captivating audiences with urgent messages about climate change. Hosted by Luke Myers, this outdoor gathering featured six powerful theatrical productions, each aimed at inspiring viewers to take action against climate issues.
As the sun set over the venue, Myers shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m very excited about what we’re doing this year.” His hope was clear: to motivate attendees to discover their own roles in advocating for climate justice. With a growing audience, the event emphasized collective responsibility in combating climate change.
The evening kicked off with a poignant performance of “Bare Spaces,” written by acclaimed Ugandan playwright Angie Emurwon. The emotional piece, performed by Katelyn Manfre, served as a tribute to Emurwon’s grandmothers, setting a reflective tone for the night. Attendee Alex Spiva expressed appreciation for the outdoor setting, saying, “It’s exciting to see the different plays.”
A highlight of the evening was “The Oysters,” written by Miranda Rose Hall from Baltimore, Maryland. Accompanied by music from local composer Paul Fidalgo, the play addressed the plight of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. Myers, who is also an oyster farmer at Mere Point Oyster Farm, remarked, “I hope our audience can learn a little bit more about both oysters and climate change, and hopefully get more involved.”
Fellow oyster farmer Kelly Punch echoed Myers’ sentiments, stressing the vital role oysters play in climate health. “Oysters have a really big effect on climate change. They’re a filtration system,” Punch explained. With their farm contributing between 8 million and 12 million oysters to Maine waters, Punch noted, “We’re already seeing a huge difference in the health of the waters.”
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed three additional compelling productions. “Eat the Rich,” authored by Tira Palmquist, drew laughter as it depicted orca whales disrupting harmful yachts. “Love Out of the Ruins,” by Zoe Svendson, offered a stark view of life in a high-carbon culture, while “Ranger,” penned by Algonquin Nation native Yvette Nolan, inspired thoughts on creating new national parks.
The final piece, “Letters to the Ocean,” written by Caridad Svitch, resonated deeply with attendees like Stephanie McSherry, who emphasized the importance of environmental awareness in Maine. “It’s really important to have awareness of the planet and what we need to do to protect it,” McSherry said.
As the event concluded, Myers reflected on its success and its potential impact. “I think that’s the way forward,” he stated, urging the audience to consider their roles in fostering a just climate future.
With over 40 attendees engaged in these thought-provoking performances, the event not only entertained but also ignited discussions about climate action and environmental stewardship. The night served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for collective action in the face of climate change.
