From Bangalore to Copenhagen: A play to protect environment

A group of Bangalore students is all set to educate world leaders gathering in Copenhagen for the Dec 7-18 climate change summit through a play on threats and challenges to environment worldwide.

Life and Death,  a play starkly depicting of the dangers to the environment, will be staged in the Danish capital by students of Christ University here. Four final year students of masters programme in social work -- Trina Talukdar, Supriya Nayak, Kasturi Mitra and Kavita Venugopal -- will stage the hour-long play in English. They plan 15 performances.

"Through the play we bring into focus the large-scale destruction of environment and nature by human race and look into its effect on mankind," Trina, the team leader who wrote and scripted the play, said before leaving for Copenhagen.

"The play, through its layered narration, also tries to deal with human repentance at destruction of its own environment because of its own greed," added Supriya.

"We have tried to make the play as non-preachy as possible, keeping the message very clear, save the environment before it's too late,"  said Trina.

Talking about the inspiration behind the play, the team members said in unison: "Our nearby environment".

"The story of the play has been inspired by the environmental issues facing us. As we all know a large number of trees has been chopped off in Bangalore for developmental purposes in recent times. Large-scale loss of greenery in Bangalore is sure going to affect us," said Kasturi.

"The play has a lot of song and dance sequences to pass the message in a strong manner," added Kavita.

The team has been selected as a part of British Council's International Climate Change Champions (ICC) programme to take part in the summit.

"We had an audition in August, where we staged a street play with music and dance sequence in it. We are grateful to be selected for our play," said Trina.

Along with staging the play, there will be a solo dance and a solo song performance on the climate change issue.

The team members are happy that along with the message on protection of environment, they will represent India and its culture.

"We're happy to be part of the international summit. We'll represent our country and its culture and are proud to shoulder the responsibility," smiled Kavita.