From the Climate crisis to existential dread: theatre that sparks action

Philly GRIT brings climate stories to the stage

Storytelling is a crucial driver of cultural change – yet climate change remains largely absent from the stage. A study of over 37,000 scripts from 2016 to 2020 found that only 2.8% included any climate change keywords.

An indie theatre series in Philadelphia is challenging that silence.

KOAL: A One-Woman Show for the End of the World

KOAL immerses audiences in the devastation of Australia’s 2019 bushfires. This interactive solo show, performed by Jacinta Yelland and directed by Trey Lyford, follows three characters—a baby koala, a coal miner, and an Indigenous girl—who are all fighting to hold onto their homes as the fires rage.

Through movement, sound, and audience participation, KOAL places viewers at the center of the climate crisis, making its urgency impossible to ignore.

Heart Ripped Out Twice (And So Can You!)

On the surface, this show is about the pain of existence—both physical and emotional. But beneath that, creator and performer Linnea Bond explores what it means to find joy and purpose in a world under climate threat. Bond, a previous SustainPHL nominee, weaves a powerful narrative about resilience in an era of environmental and existential uncertainty through humor, raw honesty, and personal storytelling.

Philly GRIT runs now through March 15th at Theatre Exile. Find the full schedule, ticketes and details on Theatre Exile’s website.

Photo by Fachy Marín on Unsplash