In October 2019 the Royal Court Theatre committed to spending 2020 transitioning to becoming a carbon net zero arts venue. Working groups across the organisation led on strategic areas, and consultants were engaged to advise on energy, waste, food and drink, water (cleaning and chemicals), travel and transport, and ticketing, paper and communications to implement immediate operational changes. Summary findings and strategies are detailed in Royal Court Theatre: A Credible Plan for a Just Transition to Carbon Net Zero Through 2020 which can be accessed here.
The March events will encourage discussion and inspire debate about this most important challenge we all face – how we, as individuals, as organisations, and as a society, can ready ourselves for a transformed future.
Artists will take over the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs hosting a series of public events from a duration all-night gathering, to lectures, film screenings and performances. Alongside these the Royal Court is hosting industry and writers meetings throughout March.
During the first Open Court in 2013 the keys of the building were handed over to the writers; in 2016 they were handed to Young Court and the next generation of writers, directors, producers and performers; now in 2020 the month of March is being used as a catalyst for complete organisational transition towards net zero.
“The Royal Court has always been and must always be radical, fearless and future-focused in its approach to the way that work is made, who makes it and who it is for. The next decade is critical for a structural transition to begin. We are committed to becoming carbon net zero and our actions towards this start now. We aim to push every part of our practice into a circular economy that reduces, offsets and neutralises our climate and ecological impact. This is our responsibility to the future writers and artists from across every part of our planet.” Vicky Featherstone and Lucy Davies
Many events are free. Some events have limited capacity and will be balloted through this online form.
Open Court: Climate Emergency March 2020 is generously supported by an anonymous donor.
