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BURNOUT by ShyBairn Theatre

‘Like the planet I’m trying to save I am screaming - and you want me to speak of hope?’ 

Amara meets Bridgette at a protest, one of those, ‘hippy, green, save-the-planet’ things. She’s just popped out to grab some milk and now she’s late - and there's a flood coming. 

Bridgette’s a committed activist. Amara’s about to finish her GCSEs. Their town’s been flooded. 

Again. 

But how’s getting arrested going to help anything? They can’t afford to do that. 

BURNOUT invites audience members to interact if they want to, at moments throughout the play. This could involve reading text, holding an object, or coming up on stage. You can join in if you want, or watch from your seat. 

Running time: 60 mins plus after show Q&A
Age guidance: 12+
Access Information: All performances are captioned and various venues will be hosting a relaxed performance.

BURNOUT was created with climate activists across the UK. The show exposes the burnout experienced by activists from marginalised communities alongside the burnout of our planet. 

BURNOUT is written by Nicole Acquah (Women’s Playwriting Prize Shortlist 2022 for SANKOFA) and devised by the company. It’s a call to action for audiences to think about privilege, activism and climate justice. 

CONTENT WARNINGS

  • Haze is used

  • Explores racism, micro-aggressions, classism, effects of climate crisis (flooding, burnout, eco-anxiety). 

  • There is audience interaction where the audience will be asked (but not forced) to carry out instructions given to them by the performers.

  • BURNOUT invites audiences to interact if they want at moments throughout the play. This could involve reading text, holding an object, or coming up on stage. You can join in if you want, or watch from your seat.

Post-Show Discussion Information

Post-Show Discussion: ‘Underwater by 2050: The Impact of Flooding on Communities’

Post-Show Discussion with ShyBairn Theatre, Local Activists, Supply Chain Specialist Jemima Evans, in collaboration with Shelterbox.

In conversation about the effects of the climate crisis, particularly the impacts of flooding plus an opportunity for audiences to ask questions.

 

Who is on the panel?

Caitlin Evans (she/her), Director of ShyBairn Theatre

Lekhani Chirwa (she/her), Performer in BURNOUT

Chloe Wade (she/her), Performer in BURNOUT

Jemima Evans (she/her), Supply Chain Specialist at Shelterbox