UPDATE: A powerful Climate Change Theatre Action event captivated audiences in Freeport on November 4, 2023, as local performers showcased urgent plays addressing climate issues. The event drew over 40 attendees to the scenic Wolfe’s Neck Center, where the intersection of art and environmental activism shone brightly.
Host Luke Myers, an oyster farmer and passionate environmentalist, expressed excitement for this year’s lineup, aiming to inspire audience members to engage with climate justice. “I’m very excited about what we’re doing this year,” Myers stated, emphasizing the importance of using art to drive change.
The evening featured six compelling theatre productions, each spotlighting different aspects of climate change. Myers curated the selections to ensure they resonated with the audience’s sense of urgency.
The evening opened with “Bare Spaces,” penned by award-winning Ugandan playwright Angie Emurwon, which paid tribute to her grandmothers and was performed against a stunning November sky. Audience member Alex Spiva remarked, “I love the being outdoors piece of this evening. It’s exciting to see the different plays.”
Following this was “Oysters in Trouble,” written by Miranda Rose Hall of Baltimore, which highlighted the critical role oysters play in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Myers, who farms oysters at Mere Point, expressed his hope that the play would educate attendees on both oysters and climate change. “I hope our audience can learn a little bit more about both oysters and climate change, and hopefully get more involved,” he said.
For fellow oyster farmer Kelly Punch, the play struck a personal chord. “Oysters have a really big effect on climate change. They’re a filtration system,” she explained, noting that Mere Point has introduced between 8 million and 12 million oysters into Maine waters, significantly improving local water health.
As the evening progressed, the audience enjoyed a mix of humor and urgency. “Eat the Rich,” a comedic take by Tira Palmquist, depicted orca whales confronting luxury yachts, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The dramatic piece “Love Out of the Ruins,” by Zoe Svendson, explored life in a high-carbon culture, while “Ranger,” written by Algonquin Nation native Yvette Nolan, envisioned a community creating its own national park. The final play, “Letters to the Ocean,” by Caridad Svitch, encapsulated the evening’s theme, addressing the vital need for environmental awareness, especially in Maine.
Attendee Stephanie McSherry shared her enthusiasm, stating, “It’s really important, especially in Maine, to have awareness of the planet and what we need to do to protect it.”
As twilight approached, Myers urged attendees to reflect on their roles in advocating for climate justice. “I think that’s the way forward,” he concluded.
The successful event not only entertained but also empowered participants to consider how they can contribute to a sustainable future. With the pressing nature of climate change, initiatives like this one are crucial for fostering awareness and inspiring action in communities.
