This Sinking Island tells the story of families displaced by climate change. The play starts
with the voices of climate refugees from around the globe and concludes with the story of three siblings who must leave all they’ve ever known on the island of Manhattan in search of a new home. Poignant and inspiring, the play was devised by The Anthropologists, using sea level rise science and climate refugee...
This Sinking Island tells the story of families displaced by climate change. The play starts
with the voices of climate refugees from around the globe and concludes with the story of three siblings who must leave all they’ve ever known on the island of Manhattan in search of a new home. Poignant and inspiring, the play was devised by The Anthropologists, using sea level rise science and climate refugee testimony. This Sinking Island builds a bridge between understanding climate science and imagining a better
and more just future. Written by Melissa Moschitto with the ensemble. With original music by Mariah Freda.
NOTE: In Part 1, each actor is portraying several characters. The idea is to express
the global nature of this crisis. You may feel free to create your own character tracks and choose different ages or vocal qualities, depending on the individual performer.
DOUBLE CASTING RECOMMENDATION:
We produced this show with a cast of four; however, you may choose to cast Parts 1 and 2 separately. (It would be incredible to have Part 1 made up of a whole chorus of people!) It is entirely up to you.
If you are double-casting:
A / Dar
B / Fen
C / Edy
D / Gully
We encourage you to think broadly and imaginatively about how to cast this show. We wrote these roles to be unencumbered by age, gender, ethnicity, body type - you name it. At the same time, we feel it’s incredibly important to have the cast reflect the community where it is being produced as well as, when possible, the voices of the people from around the world who inspired this show. You may change pronouns in Part 2 to reflect your casting choices. Additionally, water is, indeed, very much its own character in this play. Think of the ways that design elements can bring water to life with all of its vast power.
GULLY
any ,
Any
,
Any
A refugee from another land. Gully is resourceful and intuitive, protective
yet a bit of a clown. Above all, generous. This role is non-verbal, in part to
represent the trauma of the separation from home and language barrier.
Can be played by:
Age:
Any age
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Any gender
FEN
any,
Any
,
Any
The middle sibling. At times beats to their own drum, yet craves approval and companionship. Often forced to choose between siblings, driven by a bit of spunk and humor and in many ways up for adventure.
Can be played by:
Age:
Any age
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Any gender
EDY
any ,
Any
,
Any
The youngest sibling. Can be sullen yet playful; is upset to have had to leave home and wants desperately to return to the place they know and love. Especially where Dar is concerned, they naturally question authority.
Can be played by:
Age:
Any age
Race/Ethnicity:
Any race/ethnicity
Gender:
Any gender
DAR
any,
Any
,
Any
The oldest sibling. Not a child any longer but not yet an adult; has been forced to take on greater responsibility now that they are caring for the two younger siblings. Resourceful and serious, forthright when necessary.