Youth-led production brings climate change to the stage
A youth-led theatre production is opening up new conversations about climate change.
Bringing the Outside In, developed and performed by Theatre for Life, was watched by around 90 young people from Hampshire at Solent University in Southampton.
It explores environmental themes through performance, with a particular focus on climate anxiety, nature, and the importance of green spaces.
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Southampton Solent University alumna, Imani Okoh (Image: New Forest NPA)
Michelle Smith, founder and artistic director of Theatre for Life, said: “We are thrilled to have worked in collaboration with Solent University to bring Bringing the Outside In to new audiences across Hampshire.
“This youth-led production responds directly to the environmental concerns facing young people today, exploring air pollution and climate anxiety while celebrating the powerful role of nature, urban biodiversity and access to green spaces in supporting health and wellbeing.”
The cast includes Imani Okoh, an actor and theatremaker who studied BA (Hons) Musical Theatre at Solent University.
Ms Okoh said: “It’s a great feeling returning to Solent. I’m very privileged to have this full circle moment. Studying musical theatre at Solent equipped me to be the performer I am today.
“Through the course, I learned how to create my own work which I believe is vital in the industry today.
“I learned how to collaborate, market myself as a performer and be my biggest champion – all things I use every day as a professional.”
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Theatre for Life’s Bringing the Outside In at Southampton Solent University. (Image: New Forest NPA)
The production was developed as part of the Youth for Climate and Nature scheme (YouCAN), a partnership project led by the New Forest National Park Authority and supported by a Climate Action Fund grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.
James Wylor-Owen, chair of the YouCAN partnership board, said: “Bringing the Outside In captures everything the YouCAN scheme is about; it’s youth-led, explores the concerns of young people right now about the climate and nature emergencies, and is deeply rooted in the local community.
“The play provides a hopeful message about the importance of green spaces and nature connection and opens the door to more conversations about the impacts we can have together.”
YouCAN supports young people aged 11 to 25 in taking community action on climate and nature issues, developing green skills and jobs, and exploring outdoor learning opportunities across urban, rural, coastal, and freshwater environments.