5 Eco-Theatre Companies You Should Know About: 1st Edition
Originally published as part of The Kaleidoscapes’ Field Notes on 3/29/21
Cover image design by Claire Allegra Taylor.
In Fall of 2020, I had the opportunity to research arts organizations engaging in sustainable artmaking as part of Agenda: Communicating the Arts’ inaugural 30 Under 30 initiative. My research partner, Anna Aglietta, and I had a wonderful time speaking with eco-art makers all over our assigned region of North America.
This week, I am super excited to introduce 5 of these fabulous companies to you!
One note before we start: not all of these companies self-identify as “eco-theatre” companies, however, they were selected based on their being performing or multi-disciplinary arts groups which engage deeply with the existential threat of climate change and other socio-ecological issues which their communities face.
And we’re off….
Where: Occupied Lenapehoking (New York, NY)
When: Since 2007
Mission: “Superhero Clubhouse unites ecology and theater to enact justice, cultivate hope, and inspire a thriving future”
Programming Highlights: SHC’s educational program "Big Green Theatre" provides youth at Brooklyn public schools with opportunities to write and develop their own climate change plays to be performed by professionals. Watch the student’s video projects free on SHC’s website! SHC’s current mainstage project "Mammelephant" is currently being developed as part of Theatre Row's inaugural Kitchen Sink residency. Broadway, here they come!
Why We Love Them: We love that Superhero Clubhouse not only showcases ecological content but places social justice at the core of how they go about their work. Core values of “justice, hope, collaboration, and knowledge”, as well as formal commitments to antiracism and anti-oppression, guide the way SHC creates and interacts with their community.
Where: Ogaa Po Ogeh – occupied Tewa territory (Santa Fe, NM) and Yelamu – occupied Ohlone territory (San Francisco, CA)
When: Since 2004
Mission: “Dancing Earth dynamically activates our mission to create and support contemporary global Indigenous dance and related arts, to encourage and revitalize awareness of bio-cultural diversity through artistic expression, for the education and wellness of all peoples”
Programming Highlights: Employing and engaging with indigenous artists from all over the United States, Dancing Earth offers an outlet for indigenous creatives to create and perform artistic interventions focusing on humans’ relationship with and dependence on natural elements. Dancing Earth's touring project Between Earth and Skyward (BTW US) explores "renewable energy from spiritual, cultural and practical perspectives" and engages with audience members directly to envision possibilities for a collective future.
Why We Love Them: A key point of Dancing Earth’s work is their connection to the diaspora of indigenous communities throughout Turtle Island and the land they inhabit. Wherever the company goes, they are sure to provide opportunities which build community, uplift the voices of local Elders, and provide opportunities for sharing traditional meals together.
Where: Occupied Lenapehoking (New York, NY)
When: Since 2008
Mission: “The Arctic Cycle uses theatre to foster dialogue about our global climate crisis, create an empowering vision of the future, and inspire people to take action”
Programming Highlights: In addition to their ongoing development of the Arctic Plays by founder Chantal Bilodeau, since 2019, the Arctic Cycle has held a number of 5-day intensives in New York, Anchorage, Boston, and Miami. At these gatherings "artists, activists, scientists, and educators who want to engage or further their engagement with climate change through artistic practices" meet to learn new eco-art skills and share their own knowledge.
Why We Love Them: Have you heard of Climate Change Theatre Action? Since 2015, CCTA has supported three worldwide series of readings and performances of short climate change plays. The performances are scheduled biennially to coincide with the United Nations COP meetings. Not only does CCTA provide producers with marketing support, artistic materials, and a network of like-minded folks, it uplifts the work on 50 playwrights per series who offer unique and culturally specific insight into the climate problem. Wanna be a part of the next iteration? Click here.
Art At Work presents MAINEUSA
Where: occupied Aucocisco, Wabnaki, and Pequawket territories (Portland, ME)
When: Since 1993
Mission: “Art At Work inspires, invents, and supports creative projects and collaborations that deepen connections (especially across perceived differences) and increase understanding, equity & joy”
Programming Highlights: Art at Work's current project, MAINEUSA, gathers Maine residents from all walks of life to share their histories (via interviews and story circles) in order to develop a performance piece which reflects the emerging diversity of the state and acknowledges its eco-social history since the time of the Ice Age. The resulting site-specific performance will include 10 local performers, 75 ensemble members from the community (“25 young people as herrings, 25 adults as ravens, 25 elders as trees”), music, projections, puppetry, and more.
Why We Love Them: The performance is just the beginning! A series of post-performance events include tree planting, story exchanges, and opportunities to process the emotionality of climate change. MAINEUSA is an expansive project which, after its premiere, plans to be a multi-year seasonal event providing 200 full time and seasonal jobs to local Mainers.
Where: occupied Kumeyaay territory (Encinitas, CA)
When: Since 2016
Mission: “EcoArts Foundation is committed to its mission: to inspire ecological regeneration via the arts”
Programming Highlights: EcoArts Foundation’s programming includes free, arts-based public events, in-school eco-arts programming for youth, and the Let's Talk About the Weather podcast series which spotlights eco-artists. Partnering with the City of Palmdale, EcoArts Foundation airs EcoArtsTV on local television, "incorporating environmental film vignettes, showcasing work by eco artists, experts, and allies in playful, creative style". How awesome is that?
Why We Love Them: Children are the future, and EcoArts Foundation takes that message and runs with it. Their new elementary school program is a dynamic example of incorporating arts-based climate education into the American school system in order to support the cognitive, collaborative, and creative development of children. We can’t wait to see what these 2,000 “mini eco-artists” will contribute to our communities!
I hope you enjoyed learning about these fabulous companies as much as I did!
Stay tuned for more lists of arts organizations fighting for ecological justice through the power of performance.
