Stockton play highlights rising issue of climate change
A collaborative show is taking place at Stockton's ARC
People in Teesside are being urged to think about what they could do to help look after the environment.
That's one of the main themes of a collaborative play at Stockton's ARC that aims to highlight the rising issue of climate change.
Today is the last day to see 'World's on Fire' which is using a 'Pay What You Decide' ticketing model. The show is at 7pm.
Philip Harrison, a professional actor from Billingham who is playing the role of Maurice, said: "So at the moment, especally with the current narrative about climate change and climate change denial, I think that there's a lot of climate change anxiety.
"So what this play talks about is people just taking action in the way that they are empowered to do, rather than trying to tackle the big picture because that's just too difficult for people."
Angela Rose, a professional actor from Stockton is playing the role of Elena, and she said: "The thing that I love about this play is that it's not people standing on the stage wagging their finger, pointing blame and shouting about the environment and about climate change, it's actually more about how on a smaller scale and a person scale, you can make little changes and how it starts with the individual and the community."
World's On Fire
Created with people from Stockton and the wider Tees Valley, World's on Fire is a celebration of the things that connect us: friendship, the beauty all around us, the places we call home and the extraordinary power of local action. Bringing together professional actors and community performers, the production explores what happens when people come together to imagine a different future.
At its heart is a simple idea: local people often don't realise the significance of what they have, what they can change, and what they can achieve together.
As a disabled-led production company, Little Cog creates work that puts the hidden stories and experiences of disabled people centre-stage, challenging entrenched perceptions of disability and celebrating the talent and creativity of disabled artists. World's on Fire continues this commitment, placing disability justice alongside questions about community, connection and our shared environment.
World's on Fire asks what happens when we stop feeling powerless and start looking at what is already around us: the people, places and relationships that matter, and the possibilities for change that exist close to home. It aims to tackle the overwhelming climate information overload that makes it hard for people to know where to begin.
Because sometimes the biggest changes begin with recognising what we already have.
Vici Wreford-Sinnott, writer and director of World's on Fire, said: “World's on Fire is about community. It's about keeping your heads up when the world tries to say you're rubbish. It's about the things people love, the beauty all around us, remembering to breathe, friendship and this town. It's about you. It's about me.”
The production brings together professional actors Angela Rose, Audrey Cook, Beth Samuels and Philip Harrison with community performers from a range of communities.
Alongside the cast, the newly formed World's on Fire Choir and a Community Movement Chorus bring local people directly into the production, turning community participation itself into part of the story.
The result is a large-scale, richly collaborative piece of theatre that puts Stockton's people at its centre.
While World's on Fire doesn't shy away from the enormous challenges facing the world, it is ultimately a story about resilience, connection and hope. Rather than asking audiences to solve global problems from the theatre seats, it asks what becomes possible when people look around them and recognise the strength, creativity and potential already present in their own communities.
The production also reflects Little Cog's commitment to putting disabled people's voices and experiences centre-stage and creating new work with disabled artists and communities.
Pay What You Decide
Audiences can see World's on Fire using a Pay What You Decide ticketing model, with a default ticket price of £0 and audiences invited to make a donation if they are able to.
The approach is designed to remove financial barriers and make the production as open and welcoming as possible.
Designed with access at its heart
The production has been created with a strong commitment to access. Performances include BSL interpretation, stage captions, an audio-described introduction, a touch tour and a timetabled sound map. There will also be access to a quiet room, accessible seating and additional space where required. Audiences can come and go during the performance if they need to use the toilet or quiet room, and companion tickets are available where required.
The production includes music, sound effects, moving colourful lights and a large cast, choir and movement chorus. There are no flashing lights or strobe lighting.
You can find out more on the ARC website.