Presentation

Every second, over 100 tons of plastic end up in the ocean, and will never decompose. Warmer sea currents and warmer atmosphere are melting down the poles, whereas their surface was precisely one of the elements contributing to the cooling down of the atmosphere [1]. The populations of 3,706 species of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles have reduced by 60% in forty years only since 1970; that figure is so high that we are now talking about the first mass extinction since the dinosaurs.[2]

What's the link between these facts? They are both directly linked to our current way of living and to the capitalist system that rules our economy. As a result, the latter has been questioned more and more frequently in recent decades, and many alternative economic models have appeared, such as social and solidarity economy, fair trade, or, more recently, circular economy. Other models, such as functional economy or shared economy, for instance, do not seem to have arisen out of environmental or social concerns, but do appear to be compatible with sustainable development, the read thread of our theatre play.

Using the pizza metaphor ("circular", "shared", "functional"…), the play, performed by Martin Ophoven, presents all of these concepts through a series of characters and funny or touching little stories. The show deals with sustainable development through the prism of alimentation and under various social angles, showing diversified opinions in an educational way. The result is a colourful and instructive one man show, which invites pupils to contribute to the debate with their ideas and reflexions, and to question the surrounding economic model. In order to trigger such an exchange, the show (a 30-minute performance) is designed to be interactive, mixing a powerful text to improvised content adapted to the target audience.

The show is meant to be performed in front of a maximum 100-person audience (to allow the following discussion to take place) and requires 1 hour altogether. It comes along with teaching material on alternative economic models, provided beforehand to teachers of economics, geography, moral education or other social sciences to enable them to integrate this content to their lectures on the longer term.

[1] La fonte des glaces : où, comment, et pourquoi ? du Monde (2019)

[2] Sources : Rapport pour une planète vivante du WWF (2018),

If you would like to host the show in your institution, please go to the contact page. We still have availabilities for 2020 and 2021.

Tecnical Data Sheet

Stage

- Space: 3m deep; 3m high; 5m wide

- Concealed back wall (like a curtain or neutral wall), no windows

(If there is no stage, it is possible to play on full foot, but for more than 30 people, the rows of chairs from the 4th row must be raised like a tier).

Set design and props

All props fit in two large blue IKEA bags, which the actor carries by hand. No decorations are required.

Acoustics

- No microphone is required. However, we kindly ask you to dispose curtains or carpets if there is echo.

- The venue must be suitable for theatrical performances.

- For groups of more than 60 people, a real performance hall is required.

Light and sound

No specific requirement. The show just requires a minimum 5m opening and no disturbing light in the venue.

Lodges and food

- No extra room is needed for the actor's personal items. A small spot in the performance hall is enough.

- Water must be provided (in a glass bottle or container, no plastic).

- If the actor performs twice the same day in the same institution, please arrange with him for a meal.

Recommended timing

- Show : 35 minutes + talk with the actor, so a 50-minute lecture (add 5 to 10 minutes for pupils to arrive and sit down).

- The venue must be available 1 hour before the show and 30 minutes afterwards, for stage set up and removal.

Mobility

- As far as possible, the actor will come by public transports (by train from Leuven) and needs to be picked up at the arrival station by a member of the receiving institution. The same applies to the return journey. These arrangements should be made one week before the date of the live performance with the actor by e-mail (mail@martinophoven.pro).

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