In words and chairs: making meaning of sustainability, equity and circularity in American theatrical design and production

ABSTRACT Theatrical designers know that the objects they put onstage communicate ideas beyond and in addition to what can be read in the text and help to co-create the meaning of a piece. At present, what is being communicated by much of the material world of the American theatre is an unfortunate story of environmental degradation, waste and inequity in the context of an increasingly urgent climate emergency. This article examines patterns of design and production and argues that to move forward, theatre artists can reshape the meaning they create onstage to include considerations of sustainability and environmental justice in design choices. We argue that circular, regenerative design practices in conversation with clear public statements can forge a collective vision for sustainable American theatre. From the smallest prop to the loftiest mission statement, every choice theatre artists make has the potential to tell a different and better story: one of environmental justice, renewal and sustainability.