David Finnigan - Performance Art in the Climate Era, Translating Science & Why He Was Wrong About the Fires

This episode is all about creating art in the era of climate change. Specifically theater, which has the power to connect, provoke and inspire people far and wide. Which got Tessa thinking....could theater be the answer to climate anxiety, science communication or even just a subtle push for action? Today's guest is David Finnigan, a writer and theatre-maker who works with earth scientists to produce engaging performances about climate and global change. His plays include Kill Climate Deniers, You're Safe Til 2024, and 44 Sex Acts In One Week. Outside of being a playwright he is also a member of a number of theater ensembles which create interactive science-theater performances for festivals, conferences and schools. Boho in Australia, Coney in the UK and the Sipat Lawin Ensemble in the Philippines. Tessa came across David in Rebecca Huntley book How To Talk About Climate Change In A Way That Makes A Difference. If you've tuned into Ep6 you'll know all about the power of emotions and engagement, and this episode is some ways an extension of that conversation. We chat about David's plays and how he translates scientific research for the stage, why he was wrong about the fires, the power of theater and how we're crossing planetary boundaries. To sign up to David's newsletter, hit his website @ www.davidfing.com @thenaturebetweenuspodcast