Dramatizing Environmental Activism: Intersection of Eco-Theatre and Climate Politics in David Finnigan's Kill Climate Deniers
Abstract
In recent decades, human actions have caused significant changes in climatic patterns and decreased biodiversity. Following the Industrial Revolution, there has been a full degree Celsius increase in the global average temperature, profoundly impacting Earth's climatic systems and processes. The consequences of climate change encompass human and non-human domains, manifesting in various issues, such as air pollution, health emergencies, environmental catastrophes, forced migration, food shortages, and mental health disorders. As these pressing issues unfold, literature- particularly drama- emerges as a crucial medium for addressing global warming. Through its emphasis on environmental challenges and their political and social consequences, theatre is seen as a potent tool for raising awareness and motivating actions in response to climate change. Accordingly, the current study uses ecocriticism and postcolonial ecocriticism as theoretical frameworks, combined with scientific facts on climate change and global warming to analyze selected dramatic text from Australia. This interdisciplinary approach aims to thoroughly analyze ecological and postcolonial themes in the selected play, highlighting the interrelationships between scientific realities and the environmental or socio-political concerns depicted in Finnigan's play..