“David Finnigan is no stranger to putting the climate crisis onstage…and now, in Scenes from the Climate Era, Finnigan can do it all” - The Guardian

From an Australian playwright known for whip-smart works at the crossroads of science and art, comes a dazzling and provocative reflection on the biggest crisis in human history.

A couple discusses whether it’s ethical to have children. Scientists try to bioengineer a new coral reef. A Chinese team works to contain a glacier by building an Antarctic seawall. The last frog of its kind calls into the abyss for a mate.

Scenes from the Climate Era is a dizzying stream of conversations. Snapping between the absurd and the comic, the domestic and the global, the past, present and possible futures, the play distils the big ideas into intimate snapshots that bristle with urgency.

Working alongside director Ellison Tan, playwright David Finnigan adapts this work to reflect a warmth and sensibility unique to this region. This Singapore edition is a brand-new take on the original play, with scenes re-written or moved around, and brought to life by a stellar, multigenerational cast.

Scenes from the Climate Era is a stark reminder that time is no longer running out but merely passing, and that the consequences of generations past are the inevitable reality of those to come.

A programme of 60 Connections – At Home and Afar, a year-long season of Singapore stories and international collaborations in celebration of SG60.

Creative Access: Embedded Narration

Embedded Narration in the context of this production has descriptive lines embedded seamlessly into the dialogue. Soundscapes and amplified movements give important key information on environment, atmosphere and intention of each scene.

This is an access feature provided for more inclusive appreciation of the play, created with Creative Access collaborator and performer, Claire Teo. 

Pre-show notes will be available at a later date.

Production credits 

Playwright: David Finnigan

Director: Ellison Tan

Costume Coordinator: Loo An Ni

Lighting Designer: Adrian Tan

Movement Director: Yvan Karlsson

Sound Designer: Bani Haykal

Creative Access Collaborator: Claire Teo

Cast: Siti Hajar, Tay Kong Hui, Ali Mazrin, Vishnucharan Naidu, Lian Sutton, Gloria Tan, Claire Teo, Teo Pei Si

Producer: Shridar Mani (The Public Space)

Production Manager: Cindy Yeong

Stage Manager: Woo Hsia Ling

Assistant Stage Manager: Cristabel Ng

Scenes from the Climate Era was first produced by Belvoir St Theatre, Australia, in 2023. The Singapore presentation of Scenes from the Climate Era is commissioned by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore for The Studios 2025.