Joe Bannister stars in the double bill of climate change plays by playwright Steve Waters: Resilience and On The Beach, part of The Contingency Plan, which will open at the Crucible, Sheffield on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 October respectively.
Steve Waters’ climate-emergency double bill is brought up to date, specially revised for this Sheffield run thirteen years after their acclaimed debut in 2009. One play is a compelling family drama, the other a thrilling political satire. Each stands alone, together they’re a fearless, funny and foreboding portrait of a near future.
Full listings and ticket information can be found here.
You’re starring in The Contingency Plan at the Crucible, what can you tell us about this production?
“The Contingency Plan” is an umbrella title for two plays. The first, “On the Beach” tells the story of Will, a glaciologist who returns home from Antarctica to tell his family that he is going into politics to warn of a coming flood. The second, “Resilience” follows Will as he navigates the corridors of power and his warning falls on evermore disbelieving and deaf ears.
You’re leading the cast in both productions, what was it about Steve Waters’ script that made you want to be part of this?
It’s about the most pressing issue we face today whilst also being a rip roaring thriller, a complex family drama and a political satirical farce. Short of putting in a song and dance number I don’t think there’s much more you could ask for.
What is it about the character of Will that you love, and what do you find most challenging?
Will is a hugely passionate and brilliant scientist. He has a love and understanding of the natural world that I could only dream of and despite a fear and mistrust of politics he has the bravery to fight for what he believes in, no matter the odds. My biggest challenge is doing that justice.
Both plays have been brought up to date since they first premiered thirteen years ago, what have you found most striking about the updates?
It’s extraordinary and frightening how much more relevant they have become. There is now a much greater public understanding of the dangers of climate change than when the plays were first performed. And also, now that we have experienced the reality of covid and lockdowns, we watch them with an understanding of what humanity can achieve in the face of existential threat if it works together. There’s a reality and a sense of hope that our collective lived experience of the last few years brings to these plays.
What do you think audiences who see Resilience and On The Beach will take away from them?
Climate change can be a difficult subject to conceptualise on a personal level. It can often seem abstract and hard to comprehend. Audiences who see these plays will come away with an understanding of these huge issues that is grounded in a very human and very moving story.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Contingency Plan?
Book early. There’s a storm brewing…
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