ASU Faculty Debuted Anthropocene Play in Paris
Arizona State University artists presented a new climate-focused production at a global UNESCO summit.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Performance Art
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Arizona State University faculty members debuted an original play titled Anthropocene at the UNESCO MOST Climate Summit in Paris. The production explores the history of consumption and climate change through a unique performance style.
Why it matters
The project aims to visualize the historical escalation of global consumption and its links to environmental shifts. It uses the creative arts to engage participants at a major international policy summit.
The production features 12 actors and was developed over 7 years. The summit included participants from 35 different nationalities.
The players
Rachel Bowditch
She serves as one of the co-vision keepers for the Anthropocene production and is a faculty member at Arizona State University.
Karen Jean Martinson
She is a co-vision keeper for the project and a faculty member at Arizona State University.
Arizona State University
This public research university in Tempe is the institutional home for the faculty members and the origin of the theatrical project.
The details
The play features a three-story set with projection surfaces designed to conceal and reveal performers. Instead of traditional psychological realism, the show relies on visual dramaturgy, lighting, and a soundscape, with costumes crafted from repurposed Starbucks cups and Target bags.
Timeline
Development of the project began in 2018.
The production was performed at the UNESCO climate summit in September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The performance follows the pattern set by the UNESCO Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme by integrating artistic expression into interdisciplinary climate discussions. This approach reflects a broader trend of utilizing performance art to translate complex academic research into accessible narratives for policy leaders.
The production highlights themes of consumption that impact daily shopping choices. While currently staged in Paris, the directors are exploring options for a national tour that could bring the production to domestic audiences.
The takeaway
This production demonstrates how repurposed materials can serve as powerful tools for visual storytelling in educational settings. Future climate communication may increasingly rely on similar dramaturgical techniques to bridge the gap between abstract data and public awareness.
Further reading
Explore more projects from local artists in the Performance Art section.
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Do you believe individual lifestyle changes are effective in combating global climate change?
