Royal Court Theatre Announces Open Court: Climate Emergency March 2020, Including the Theatre’s Strategy Document for Transitioning to Carbon Net Zero

Published on Thu 5 Mar 2020

Today the Royal Court announces Open Court: Climate Emergency March 2020.

  • A series of performances, lectures and workshops to help us prepare psychologically, collectively and practically for a transformed future
  • Curated by Anthony Simpson-Pike; Philip Morris, Izzy Rabey & Milli Bhatia; Moi Tran; and Chris Thorpe; Royal Court Young Agitators, and the Royal Court staff members of colour
  • Royal Court Theatre: A Credible Plan for a Just Transition to Carbon Net Zero Through 2020 headline strategy document included

In October 2019 the Royal Court Theatre committed to spending 2020 transitioning to becoming a carbon net zero arts venue. Working groups across the organisation led on strategic areas, and consultants were engaged to advise on energy, waste, food and drink, water (cleaning and chemicals), travel and transport, and ticketing, paper and communications to implement immediate operational changes. Summary findings and strategies are detailed in Royal Court Theatre: A Credible Plan for a Just Transition to Carbon Net Zero Through 2020 which can be accessed here.

The March events will encourage discussion and inspire debate about this most important challenge we all face – how we, as individuals, as organisations, and as a society, can ready ourselves for a transformed future.

Artists will take over the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs hosting a series of public events from a duration all-night gathering, to lectures, film screenings and performances. Alongside these the Royal Court is hosting industry and writers meetings throughout March.

During the first Open Court in 2013 the keys of the building were handed over to the writers; in 2016 they were handed to Young Court and the next generation of writers, directors, producers and performers; now in 2020 the month of March is being used as a catalyst for complete organisational transition towards net zero.

Many events are free. Some events have limited capacity and will be balloted through this online form.

Open Court: Climate Emergency March 2020 is generously supported by an anonymous donor.

 

MARCH 2020 EVENTS

Wednesday 11 March, 7pm – 9.30 pm
Reclaiming Our Future
Curated by Royal Court Theatre’s Black, Brown & East Asian Staff Members*

Free but ticketed.
*For those who do not sit with within these modes of identity, we respectfully ask that you do not attend this event

Friday 13 March, 8pm – 8am
After the Flood
Created by Anthony Simpson-Pike

Free but tickets will be allocated by ballot. Sign up by noon Monday 9 March 2020.

Wednesday 18 March, 3.30pm – 5pm & 6.30pm – 8pm
What would make the world a better place?
A workshop run by the Royal Court Young Agitators

Free. This event is open to Young Court Friends (U26).

Friday 20 March, 10am – 12.30pm
Wage an Intervention
Created by Milli Bhatia, Philip Morris and Izzy Rabey

Free but tickets will be allocated by ballot. Sign up by noon Monday 16 March 2020.

Wednesday 25 March, 4pm – 8pm
HOLD A THOUGHT IN YOUR HANDS AND TWIST IT INTO PLACE IN AIR
A line from Lia Purpura
Created by Moi Tran

Events are free and open to all.

Friday 27 March, 7pm
Whatever it is, we’re in it.
Curated by Chris Thorpe

Free.

For full details on the events, read the full press release here.