Rebirth of Mother Earth: To Act or Not To Act?
Part of the
Festival of Debate 2025
A bold theatrical call for environmental justice, led by the people, for the planet.
Performance Project Overview
On 30th May 2025, Utopia Theatre’s Community Ensemble performed Rebirth of Mother Earth: To Act or Not to Act? as part of the Festival of Debate 2025 – Sheffield’s leading platform for civic discussion and social change.
This powerful, original production blended music, dance, movement, poetry, audio visual and protest to explore the urgent realities of climate change, ecological destruction, and global inequality. Inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the performance challenged audiences to consider: When the Earth cries, who listens – and who acts?
Held at the Utopia Theatre Creative Hub, the production showcased the voices and talents of a passionate intergenerational cast of local community performers. Through symbolism, ancestral wisdom, and modern-day resistance, the performance invited reflection, connection, and responsibility.
Meet the Cast
Ugonna Atudume
Ugonna is a lover of literature, theatre, and performing arts. She is passionate about African literature and never misses a chance to engage in live performance.
Charity Adu-Amankwah
Charity has a passion for theatre, arts and music and relishes the opportunity to develop, grow and discover new skills by participating in the Community Ensemble.
Tema Nwulu
Tema has a keen interest in the arts including theatre, film and music. She also enjoys reading, writing and dancing.
Jana Ndubuka
Jana loves to move and enjoys meeting new people, especially while learning about different cultures and their traditions, enriching her understanding of the world.
The Community Ensemble were supported by:
- Omobolanle Akanbi
- Ellie Tallant
- Emmanuel Adetoye
- Precious Igbebor
Post Performance Reflections and Audience Discussion
Following the performance, a Q&A session invited reflections from both performers and audience members. Ensemble members shared their inspirations and insights from the creative process, touching on research, collaboration, cultural storytelling, and personal growth.
The audience engaged in rich discussion prompted by questions such as:
Which character’s perspective- the Activist, the Engaged, or the Sceptic, resonated most with you and why?
What emotions did the performance stir, and how do those emotions reflect current climate challenges?
What barriers exist in your community to taking climate action, and how might we overcome them?
What local stories echo the themes explored in the play?
Do community-led performances have the power to inspire real change?
What small but meaningful action will you take after tonight?
The discussion was described as insightful and energising, leaving many inspired to act and reflect on their roles in climate justice.
Audience Member Reflection
“Theatre like this doesn’t just entertain, it equips, provokes, and mobilises.”
Gallery
