…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
In a significant move aimed at promoting sustainability, the London theatre industry is developing a “large-scale” initiative in central London that will facilitate the sharing of costumes, props, and scenery among venues.
National Theatre director Rufus Norris recently disclosed the plans for this ambitious project during a discussion of his latest work at the South Bank site.
Pooling Resources for Greater Efficiency:
Norris revealed that the National Theatre is currently in discussions with the Greater London Authority to establish a central location where theatres can consolidate and share their resources.
The new hub, set to be operational from 2024, will house the National Theatre’s production assets, including costumes, props, and recyclable scenery. The aim is to create an electric fleet to transport these resources back and forth, reducing the organization’s carbon footprint.
Collaborative Efforts for Net Zero:
The National Theatre is actively engaging with other prominent theatres, such as the Young Vic, Royal Court, and the Kiln, to explore opportunities for joint efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions.
This collaborative approach signifies the beginning of a potentially transformative sector-wide initiative that will require substantial public and private support, ultimately safeguarding the overall health of the theatre ecology.
Prioritizing Environmental Impact:
Norris emphasized the National Theatre’s commitment to evaluating its impact on the environment, ensuring that all productions adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Theatre Green Book—a comprehensive set of standards for minimizing environmental impact within the industry.
The proposed central hub will not only enable resource sharing but also provide access to skills training and workshop space, contributing to further sustainability efforts.
It is estimated that the initiative could save approximately 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Uniting Theatre Leaders in Climate Action:
In addition to the hub project, the National Theatre is organizing a groundbreaking event that will bring together stage directors from the National Theatre of Scotland, National Theatre Wales, and other theatrical entities.
This event aims to foster discussions on the theatre world’s response to the climate crisis, marking the largest-ever gathering of directors and artistic directors from across the British Isles.
Norris hopes that this event will facilitate a sector-wide conversation about integrating climate-conscious practices into theatre production.
A Commitment to Carbon Neutrality:
The National Theatre has outlined its commitment to sustainability on its website, pledging to reduce its carbon impact and striving for carbon neutrality as an organization by 2030.
Recognizing the environmental costs associated with theatre productions, the National Theatre is dedicated to achieving ambitious targets and playing a leading role in creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious theatre industry.
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