This text is part of the special Theater booklet
Over the course of successive initiatives and positions, awareness of eco-responsible issues is very present in the theater community. But like any process of transformation, there are still hurdles to overcome and thought patterns to reform.
From effort to effort, the world of the performing arts, and particularly that of the theatre, tends to adopt eco-responsible principles. A trend is emerging and there is a real desire to walk the talk, according to the director general of the Quebec Council for Eco-responsible Events (CQEER), Caroline Voyer. But there is still something missing: “I think it has to become a prerequisite, a standard,” she argues.
As an obstacle to change, Anne-Catherine Lebeau, executive director and co-founder of the NPO Écoscéno, which accompanies the artistic community in the socio-ecological transition, blames the rapid pace of theatrical productions. They follow one another at a speed that does not allow the old automatisms to be completely undone. “We are in a system with very ephemeral productions, which does not help the transition, she says. Transition means producing better, but also producing less. For example, even if we reduced their environmental impact by 50%, producing twice as many shows would make this approach obsolete.
Beyond punchy actions, you have to build a long-term vision. A principle that is at the heart of the NPO’s first-of-its-kind approach, which has been in operation since 2019. “What we seek to do in ecodesign is to be more respectful of planetary natural resources, but also of human resources,” explains Anne-Catherine Lebeau. We seek to create new rhythms and creative contexts where we have time to change things. »
The art of coping with constraints
Does thinking differently about one’s artistic practices harm the freedom of creation? That’s not what M agree to saymy Voyer and Lebeau. From their point of view and that of the artists, it is a constraint as can be the budget, the place or the ideation itself. For Caroline Voyer, this change is even an open door to possibilities. “It’s an opportunity to discover new materials and new suppliers. This develops another form of creativity, which comes with a feeling of satisfaction,” she believes.
It is necessary to link artistic gestures to questioning, even if they are difficult, according to Anne-Catherine Lebeau, who advocates the idea of putting creativity at the service of these issues. “Instead of accelerating climate change, we improve the context by communicating these messages to the spectators as well”, points out the one who notices that more and more theater lovers are choosing plays according to the place given to the theater. eco-responsibility in the creative process.
Through its training and support in eco-design (as well as its temporarily suspended reuse service), Écoscéno is at the forefront of witnessing a collective awakening. As well as the CQEER, which has been supporting broadcasters since 2008 in their changes in practices. Caroline Voyer observes a desire on the part of actors in the field to overcome latent eco-anxiety. “They really need to take action and take concrete action. They want to be part of the solutions,” she said.
The evolution is even felt through professional training. “It’s starting to show,” confirms Anne-Catherine Lebeau, who met graduates who couldn’t imagine creating things without questioning the impact of their choice. “Most people want to be the change they want to see happen. This is also why we have creators: to imagine a new world. »
Be recognized for your commitment
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.