Cymbeline in the Anthropocene Connections

What Is The Anthropocene?

The Anthropocene is a proposed new geological epoch, one spurred by humanity and our impact on planet Earth, derived from the Greek for human (“Anthro”) and new (“cene”). The Anthropocene is a new definition, popularized in the 2000s by Paul J Crutzen and Eugene F Stoermer. The reason why this new epoch is named after humanity is because of the sheer impact our species has had in the short time we have been on the planet. These impacts include mass extinction, increased carbon dioxide emission, ocean acidification, and many more effects with a great impact on biodiversity and the living systems of the planet. The Anthropocene has been preceded by the Holocene, which began after the melting of glaciers that covered the planet during the ice age, resulting in the rapid growth of human population; The Holocene lasted approximately 11,500 years.

The telltale signs of this new geological age are not pleasant ones. Geologists do not necessarily agree on the impact of human activity on the rocks and geology, however the mark on the environment is unmistakable. The climate is warming up quickly, with scientists agreeing that it is humanity that is responsible for this increase. Scientists have several theories as to when the Anthropocene officially started, with some arguing that signs point to it beginning during the British Industrial Revolution of the eighteenth century. Fossil fuels are one of the major ways in which carbon was thrown into the atmosphere, with the Industrial Revolution being a massive contributor to the consumption of fossil fuels. Other scientists argue it is a more recent phenomena, starting around the 1950s during the Cold War and nuclear power tested as a means of bombing and destruction rather than energy. The debris from these explosions is more likely to be seen in geological and natural formations, which would be the proof needed for the Anthropocene to get official recognition as the new epoch.

As of now, it is hard to gather the concrete impact that humanity has had on the planet in a geological sense. Even beyond this technical definition, however, the term has also been used in connection with a phenomena much more easily observed and categorized: mass extinction. Normally, these events are caused by natural events such as asteroids and volcanic eruptions. The most popular example of this is the wiping out of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. This is the first time that any one species has been responsible for an extinction at the rate of a mass extinction, and though there have been several species that have gone extinct in the past, the rate at which they are going away is significantly higher than it has been for millions of years. (Pavid)

Though not in the best place, it is still possible for humanity to change their course and work to minimize the damage that has been caused so far. These tools already exist and are becoming more efficient, through things like the Paris Climate Agreement, the implementation of renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, or electricity, and the promise to be carbon neutral within the decade. These are promising developments to help lessen the impact of humanity on the environment. With these comes a caveat, however, as with the rise of cryptocurrency and mining comes a major electrical and environmental cost. As of February 2021, energy consumption related to Bitcoin mining ranked as higher than the nation of Argentina. With Tesla, a major car company pushing for electric vehicles, backing the cryptocurrency, it also can be seen as undoing any of the benefits that electric cars offer due to the sheer amount of energy it takes to mine for Bitcoin. (Criddle)

Why Cymbeline In The Anthropocene?

Shakespeare is no stranger to hosting metaphors about the environment and human impact on it, however it should be noted that he wrote his works centuries before the industrial revolution that contributed so much to modern climate change issues. Because of this, it is imperative that modern productions of the play that focus on ecological aspects of Shakespeare's plays contend with modern understandings of climate change and climate science. Shakespeare in Yosemite's production of Cymbeline is one small part of a greater whole, called the "Cymbeline in the Anthropocene" project. This organization consists of Shakespeare producers from all over the world, including Argentina, Kazakhstan, and Yosemite itself. The main goal of the project is that of ecodramaturgy, or a deep study of theater through the lens of ecology and climate. Each production aims to capture the relevant cultures and values of their place of origin. Though the text may stay the same, the act of performance itself changes, adapts, evolves, and it is this mindset the project wishes to take advantage of to make a truly unforgettable Cymbeline experience.

For more information, feel free to visit the website over here: Cymeline In The Anthropocene

Bibliography

Criddle, Cristina. “Bitcoin Consumes ‘More Electricity than Argentina’.” BBC News, 10 Feb. 2021, https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-56012952.

Pavid, Katie. “What Is the Anthropocene and Why Does It Matter?” National History Museum, www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-the-anthropocene.html.