Regenerative inspiration for ecoscenography

Abstract

In the 12 years I have spent exploring sustainability in the performing arts, nothing has inspired me more than the concept of regenerative development and the creative projects that speak to this movement. Regenerative development is a place-based and community-orientated approach to sustainability that emphasises socio-ecological potential (du Plessis 2012). The term ‘regenerative’ focuses on ‘enhancing life in all its manifestations – humans, other species, ecological systems – through an enduring responsibility of stewardship’ (Cole 2012, 1). This holistic approach reconsiders limited notions of sustainability from one of moderation and restraint, to one of possibility and abundance, where local contexts, communities and place-specific aspirations take centre stage. Reframing sustainability as a notion of socio-ecological opportunity has been a crucial part of my development of The Living Stage – ‘a global initiative that combines stage design, horticulture and community engagement to create recyclable, biodegradable, edible and biodiverse performance spaces’ (Beer 2015) (Figure 1). The Living Stage was a response to my desire to adopt regenerative strategies that engender ‘thrive-ability’, where the aim is not only mitigating waste and environmental impact, but also seeking to create positive environmental and social outcomes. The project, which essentially combines theatre making with gardening, has been inspired by a number of creative projects and practitioners, many of whom exist outside of the performing arts, but have no less impacted my thinking and practice. I highlight a few key protagonists here.