COP26 Performance Commissions

Solo artists explore the multiple impacts of the climate crisis on identity, expectation, loss and futurehood.

Date of Activity: November 2021
Location: Glasgow
Age Range: 18-25

Alongside Phone Call to the World‘s broader international outlook, Scottish Youth Theatre wanted to reiterate its commitment to supporting Scotland’s young emerging artists. At a time when young people’s creative expressions from across the world were congregating in Glasgow as part of the Phone Call to the World exhibition at CCA, it felt imperative to include and offer space to young artists from across Scotland to respond themselves. As such, five micro-commissions were offered to Scotland-based theatre-makers and performers aged 18-25.

For Scottish Youth Theatre it was important to return to live performance once again, following an expanse of digital theatre projects and virtual productions during the pandemic. The works crossed multiple artforms, encompassing live music, comedy, spoken word and interpretive dance. Principally they explored the multiple impacts of the climate crises on identity, expectation, loss and futurehood that young generations are experiencing in Scotland. Ultimately, they spoke truth to power, sharing a hope that change is coming – with a younger generation leading the way.

“This project places the power of the arts to stir emotional and intellectual engagement firmly in the hands of young artists, harnessing their creativity and amplifying their voices. It is made all the richer by the international collaboration that we know will bring new perspectives, shared understanding and demands for change.”
Mahri Reilly, Creative Director

Watch and learn more about each of the performance commissions on the Phone Call to the World website: