The Theatre of the Anthropocene

Concept, questions, performances

Abstract

This article explores the emergence and development of The Theatre of the Anthropocene, a unique artistic platform founded by Dr. Frank M. Raddatz and Prof. Dr. Antje Boetius in 2019. This ecological theatre operates at the intersection of art and science, aiming to depict and engage with the complex realities of the Anthropocene. The Anthropocene, a geological epoch marked by human influence on Earth, necessitates a scientifically informed theatre to convey the intricate interplay between human activities and the planetary ecosystem. The article delves into the theoretical foundations of this theatre, drawing on Bruno Latour’s critique of ecological disasters rooted in deficient epistemic concepts. It contrasts this with Bertolt Brecht’s scientific theatre and emphasizes the need for a transformation in the science stage to address contemporary environmental challenges. The role of feedback loops and the recognition of non-human entities as independent subjects in an Anthropocene aesthetic are central themes. The article also explores the potential of a spectral aesthetic, emphasizing the hybrid nature of the phenomena addressed, and presents the example of the production Lawyers of Nature. Furthermore, it discusses the urgent task of developing an ecological sensibility through art to instigate changes in societal attitudes toward planetary conditions.