Public Lecture Series: Learning from Frankenstein Adaptations and Applied Theatre-Practice

Can the many stage adaptations of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein suggest attitudes and approaches to equitable climate change adaptation in Airedale?

This question deserves to be addressed by a range of voices, as this event attempts to do. Our panel discussion pools evidence and knowledge from historical Frankenstein performance archives, contemporary theatre-makers, and the White Rose Forest project manager. As a climate change adaptation project, the White Rose Forest will increase woodland cover across Airedale; mitigate flood risk; increase biodiversity, and counter urban heat islands. It is also exploring how performance can advance the right to nature by increasing public engagement with this newly planted forest. Early Frankenstein melodramas helped to democratize the right to vote, by associating the scientist’s creation with the politically voiceless. But how do Imitating the Dog’s recent adaptation of Shelley’s novel, and the applied-theatre practice of Vesper Hill advocate for rights to nature in a changing climate? Considering these performances’ dramaturgy from this climate justice angle supports the White Rose Forest’s mandate to grow a community forest.

Join Dr Rachel Nisbet (PCI, Le Puits); Iwan Downey (White Rose Forest); Professor Steve Scott-Bottoms (Manchester University, Vesper Hill), and Professor Andrew Quick (Lancaster University, Imitating the Dog). Together, we will create epistemic friction by comparing theatre and climate adaptation practices in Airedale, to spark this climate justice initiative (The event will be recorded)