The Shell trial

PERFORMANCE
The starting point for this performance was the lawsuit brought by Milieudefensie against Shell, aiming to force the company to radically change its operations. Shell defended itself by arguing that it is not the company, but the consumer, who must change. The court ruled that companies do indeed bear responsibility, but could not translate this into a legal obligation, effectively placing the issue back in the hands of politics — while politics, in turn, points back to the citizen. In the performance, the main actors in the climate debate explain why they do what they do. The Shell trial reveals that the climate crisis is ultimately a crisis of responsibility.

SCENOGRAPHY
At the center of the stage stands a raised platform that resembles a table. The metaphor of the table recurs throughout the text: we must sit down together, gather around the table, and find a way forward collectively. Yet this table is less neutral than it appears. The performance reveals how different interests collide, and how allies and opponents position themselves in relation to one another. When the edges of the platform change color, it becomes clear that the discussion table is in fact the roof of a gas station: not a neutral space, but one already supported and shaped by specific (and conflicting) interests.The platform thus also becomes a boxing ring — a place where arguments clash, positions are defended, and responsibility is continually passed on.

Jury selection for the National Dutch Theatre Festival 2021