Ergon Theatre – The Wicked Problem
What would you put first, the future of the planet or your family? A gripping interactive performance set in the future focusing on climate justice, where the audience act as jury.
As part of our student programme, join us for an exciting collaboration between one of the UK’s leading climate theatre companies Ergon Theatre and Manchester Museum and prepare to be immersed in a unique evening of theatre in the museum.
Welcome to 2061. Living under a new authoritarian green government, ‘Ergon’, you will witness the first ever trial of an individual who has broken a climate law. As you arrive to Manchester Museum, enter a reimagined Living Worlds gallery, created in a series of workshops with University of Manchester students and Ergon Theatre.
You will then be invited into the courtroom and take your seat as a member of the jury. After hearing from witnesses across Greater Manchester and beyond, you will be asked to decide: should the defendant be punished for what they did, or should they be allowed to return home?
This performance will be followed by a post-show discussion about the themes in the show chaired by Manchester Museum’s Social Justice Manager, Chloe Cousins. Full panel announced soon.
Reviews from the premiere described The Wicked Problem as ‘a chilling reality of what could happen if we don’t make a change’ as well as ‘thought-provoking, urgent, quirky and terrifying’.
The Wicked Problem was first performed to sell-out audiences in November 2021 at Contact during COP26. The show was made in collaboration with climate scientists and experts from around the globe with the support of Julie’s Bicycle, Season For Change, ReCon Producers, Arts Admin, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Urbact C-Change, Manchester City Council, Contact and GMAST.
Please note that photography and videography will occur at this event.