Scenes From the Climate Era is a powerful exploration of 25 short scenes set in the past, present, and possible future, all centred around conversations, dynamics, and events related to the climate emergency.

In approaching the work, Silo Theatre and Auckland Theatre Company wanted to reduce the impact on the environment wherever possible. Below Spatial and Costume Designer Nati Pereira, dives deep into the questions she tackled during the process, and what we can learn about a more sustainable mode of theatre in Aotearoa.

The status quo was no longer acceptable.

A crucial part of developing this piece has been our approach to design. Working alongside Jane Hakaria, we were determined to minimize our environmental footprint. Theatre often struggles with recycling and waste, with many sets and costumes discarded at the end of seasons. Given the nature of our storytelling, the status quo was no longer acceptable.

We even considered the possibility of not having a set at all. In our pursuit of authenticity, we decided to let the mechanisms of the theatre be seen, not hiding anything. Ultimately, we designed a minimal set that could evoke many different landscapes and scenarios, using items you could find in a theatre, like torches, ladders, and chairs. The set was crafted using materials left from a previous show Jane had worked on, prompting the question: How many lives can we give to set pieces before we discard them?

The process raised plenty of questions about what the term “sustainable” actually means in practice.

When it came to costumes, I scoured the extensive archives of Auckland Theatre Company’s costume room and sourced clothing from op-shops. The process raised plenty of questions about what the term “sustainable” actually means in practice. When I went to op-shops, all these questions came up, like, am I driving too much for only one piece that I might not even find? So, I returned to the archive and meticulously checked every item. Despite the discomfort, I appreciated experiencing it as a creator. I am committed to repurposing, and when I have to buy, I shop from ethical brands as much as possible and keep an eye on natural fibres.

Given the show's setting across different time periods—the past, present, and a possible future—designing costumes with a timeless aesthetic was crucial. This ensures seamless transitions between eras, supports sustainability, and enriches the storytelling with a cohesive visual narrative across time. I selected pieces in an earthy palette, basing the colour scheme on a striped jumper I found during archival diving. The incredibly talented actors play many different characters—representing any of us, some of us, and all of us. Their ability to transform from this neutral design perspective is inspiring.

Muchas gracias,
Nati Pereira

Click here to learn more about Scenes from the Climate Era