Kill Climate Deniers is the work of Canberra playwright, David Finningan, co-presented by Metro Arts and THAT Production Company. From the outset Kill Climate Deniers, puts you on the edge of your seat, as the potency of the production is from go to woe.
Kill Climate Deniers is the unfolding of brutal events, when a group of vigilante eco-activists take control of Parliament House during a concert. Their call to action? The immediate termination of carbon emission and coal exports. If these demands are not met, then the 1700 guests (nee hostages) in attendance at the concert in Parliament House will be executed one by one.
The sensory overload and the perceived bloodbath of vitriolic performances are fantastic. Lead by a stellar cast who keep the audience mesmerised throughout the production, as we see these hefty demands unfurl onto Members of Parliament such as the Environment Minister (played by Jessica Veruman), who not only has to answer to her suggestion of blocking out the sun to protect the planet but also fight for her life from the eco-activist militia.
Woven throughout the play is the active narration by Caitlin Hill, who takes on the role of playwright Finnigan’s thoughts and writing processes, discussing how the title Kill Climate Deniers caused a stir by Climate Deniers themselves including one Andrew Bolt. Hill recites emails, reviews and Finningan’s ideas of what would be the outcome of extinguishing Climate Deniers.
Along with incredibly gripping performances, comes the smashing musical interspersion of 80’s and 90’s hits, a soundtrack formulated by the Environment Ministers social media manager, played by Charleen Masters. Breaking up the intensity of the siege is hits by S-Express and E.M.F among many other fist pumpers. if you’re going to have to defend your life, why not have an epic soundtrack to go with it?
Finnigan, Metro and the cast of THAT Production Company have really created a body of work that is a must see in Kill Climate Deniers and if our current political climate is anything to go by and the frustration that it is creating, extreme mobilisation of activists may not be just a story in the future.
Kill Climate Deniers
Metro Arts, Edward St, Brisbane
15 – 25 May 2019
Justine Hansberry