The political passivity of the UK establishment in response to the impending climate catastrophe was suddenly shaken in 2019 by the protests of Extinction Rebellion. Their mass non-violent direct action also gave hope to climate activists.
The writer Rachel E Thorn was one of those carried along by the wave of optimism about the possibilities of social change. Her play links the struggles of that movement to the warm, believable and sometimes amusing relationship between Holly and Alex.
Holly is an enthusiast for action. Alex (Elizabeth Hope) is less convinced but, being keen on Holly (Rachel E Thorn), she finds herself in lots of conversations about climate change.
Things are complicated by their decision to have a child and how that might contribute to climate change.
As their relationship grows, it modifies Alex’s ideas about climate activism. Much to Alex’s surprise, she eventually becomes the key organiser for a spicy intervention by her affinity group against the banks investing in fossil fuel. The role is regarded as non-arrestable, but the government has generously been adding to its list of what is illegal.
There is a mood of optimism about this important show, which is given a fine performance by a confident pair of actors. Rachel says her play is “a homage to the people who are fighting for change.” She reminds us that “activists pay a huge price for saving the rest of us.”