The Australian Theatre for Young People and Auckland Theatre Company’s presentation of Kim Chapman’s show The Resistance, explores what happens when young activists and the climate fight are thrown into the national spotlight.
The narrative revolves around a big protest rally.
Actor Lakesha Grant’s character, Bundilla, or “young” in Larrakia language, her dad’s people, is the communications director of the “Youth Justice Climate Movement.”
It’s also the name of her great-grandmother and a nod to something much bigger.
“The story is [about] trying to get the Prime Minister to sign the Athens climate agreement to basically save the world,” Grant says.
“I think for Bundilla, it’s a lot deeper than climate change. It’s about caring for country, caring for Indigenous land… it’s a lot deeper for her than it is for the other characters. It’s not just about politics.
Also in Cosmos: First Nations stars shine in dance for climate hope
“It’s Indigenous people and that connection to the land. So you’re really listening to us First People.
“I’m very much deeply connected to this character. These are conversations we have every day as First Nations people.”
The Resistance is Grant’s biggest role to date, after moving to Sydney from Darwin four years ago at 18.
She says her community and elders have always backed her to follow her dreams.
With a storyline centred around young activists, Ms Grant said it speaks to the responsibility and action of new generations.
“Older people can connect to it and understand that it’s us young mob, we’re the future.
“We have to take over now. It’s our time to be the voice”.
The Resistance is showing at the Rebel Theatre in Sydney.
Are you interested in how science and technology is transforming production, energy, and agriculture? Then our new email newsletter Greenlight Project, launching soon, is for you. Click here to become an inaugural subscriber.
Originally published by Cosmos as Climate fight in the theatre
Jarred Cross
Jarred Cross is a writer at the National Indigenous Times
The Greenlight Project is a year-long look at how regional Australia is preparing for and adapting to climate change.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
