When falling down the internet “rabbit hole” recently, I came across a play that’s currently showing in New York. “The Pocket Kids Park” is all about a group of young friends and park visitors in conversation about how to save their local city park, and how that space could be used. The show’s tagline? “Small people can get big things done.”
The co-playwrights behind the play are Anika Larsen and Orlando Bishop, and in a short video about the play, they explain how they’ve focused on creating something entertaining and fun as a vehicle to get people thinking about sustainability. In fact, they’ve apparently used the SDGs as a frame, aligning different goals to different characters, without talking about the SDGs at all. They link the play to real life at the end, when actors break character and take part in a discussion about the play and possible actions. There are also a handful of downloads related to the production to keep the experience alive, like activity books, quotes, and a checklist called, “Small Things You Can Do to Get Big Things Done!”
Three things came to mind as I read and researched.
First, there is great power in art-based practices that make people feel good about taking action individually and collectively. Yes! We have so many challenges and addressing them can be a joyous opportunity rather than a drag.
What do we gain, instead of what do we lose?
What if tackling “heavy” problems didn’t have to feel heavy?
What if climate action felt like creativity and community, not sacrifice?
Second, we need more theatre, art and experiences to help adults find the joy in becoming change-makers and trailblazers in their community. (Which is part of what I hope to achieve with my Walk the Futures events – a shameless mini-plug!)
Final thought: “Small people can get big things done.”
We’re all small in the face of problems like climate change.
What exciting, joyful things CAN we do to shape hopeful, sustainable futures?