Liverpool’s Theatre in the Rough has been awarded funding for SKYGLOW – an innovative arts project exploring the impact of light pollution on our planet. Bringing together astronomy, ecology, and the arts, SKYGLOW promises to shed light on the vanishing stars and its ecological repercussions.
The truth is stark: a child born today will see less than half the stars in tonight’s sky by the time they’re eighteen. This is due to ‘skyglow’ – the haze of artificial light pollution dimming the brilliance of the cosmos. Thousands of years of navigation, myth-making, indigenous traditions, and more, is under threat.
Beyond its celestial implications, skyglow also exerts a toll on our ecosystems. By disrupting the natural transition from sunlight to starlight, it interferes with the behaviour, physiology, and intricate balance of many of Earth’s species.
Theatre in the Rough is now inviting eco-conscious writers to explore this topic by creating a series of starlit monologues slated for performance at Sudley Walled Garden in Mossley Hill. Ten selected writers will have access to exclusive workshops led by arts, astronomy, and ecology experts from the University of Central Lancashire, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and Theatre in the Rough. As well as seeing their pieces performed, they will also be published in a new anthology.
Chris Fittock, Director of Theatre in the Rough, said: ‘The stars have guided humanity for millennia, but their brilliance is being obscured by the lights we’ve created. Through this project, we aim to reignite wonder for the night sky while raising awareness of how light pollution disrupts the natural rhythms of life on Earth. By empowering young voices to weave stories illuminating this issue, we hope to inspire actions that will help preserve our starry inheritance for generations to come.’
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Participants must be aged between 12 and 25 and live in the Liverpool City Region. No experience is necessary. An application form and more information can be found by going to https://www.theatreintherough.com/skyglow. The deadline for applications is Friday 7 June 2024.
