“Symbiocene” awakens eco-awareness through art

In a groundbreaking artistic endeavor, the Black Box at Damansara Performing Arts Centre is set to host the premiere of “Symbiocene,” a thought-provoking ecopunk play that challenges the way we perceive our relationship with nature. This artistic response to pressing environmental issues such as deforestation aims to raise awareness and inspire positive change in Malaysia’s ecological landscape.

A world reimagined

“Symbiocene” envisions a world where humans, plants, and animals coexist symbiotically. Under the creative direction of Lim Sheng Hui, the play dives headlong into a reimagined universe where the boundaries between these life forms blur, and they become equal inhabitants of an interconnected ecosystem. The play is a call for greater ecological awareness, challenging the status quo and advocating for a harmonious coexistence between all living beings.

‘Symbiocene’ is Director Lim Sheng Hui’s way of making sense of a chaotic world and inviting the audience to reconsider our place in nature. She shared her vision for the play, stating, “We cannot remove ourselves from our environments as it can nourish us as well as destroy us. It is from this starting point that I imagine the play.”

Real-life inspiration

“Symbiocene” draws inspiration from the urgent environmental concerns faced by Malaysia, particularly the issue of deforestation. Recently, the state of Kelantan proposed a state structure plan that would remove protection from environmentally sensitive areas in its forest reserves, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and deforestation. This move would have dire consequences, including the loss of biodiversity, increased climate disasters, and the impact on the livelihoods of indigenous communities.

Lim Sheng Hui emphasized the importance of the play in this context, stating, “Yet, we forget that we too are part of the ecosystem.” Symbiocene” serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness with nature and the dire consequences of neglecting our environment.

It is not just a work of art but a creative response to critical environmental challenges. It invites the audience to reflect on the state of the environment, the consequences of deforestation, and the need for a more sustainable and symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.

A play for positive change

The ensemble of performers in “Symbiocene” each brings a unique blend of artistry and passion to their roles. Aila Azizul portrays Sen, gifted with the ability to sense and connect to the mycelial network. Camillea Benjamin takes on the role of Kas, a headstrong park ranger who finds love and self-acceptance in the symbiocene. Tharanii Karthigesu embodies Fern, a psychic with the ability to see forces of nature. Liew Chee Heai plays the enigmatic Ancient Being central to the play’s narrative. Together, they bring director Lim Sheng Hui’s vision to life, offering a mesmerizing journey into a world of symbiosis while emphasizing the need for environmental awareness.

As the play takes the stage at Damansara Performing Arts Centre, it serves as an artistic wake-up call, urging Malaysians to consider their connection to the environment and the importance of protecting it for a sustainable future. “Symbiocene” promises to be a transformative experience, both artistically and environmentally, as it challenges us to rethink our relationship with the natural world and inspires us to take action for a more sustainable and harmonious future.

Tickets for “Symbiocene” are now available for purchase, with options for both students and regular attendees. The play is scheduled to run from 1st to 3rd December 2023, with multiple showtimes to accommodate various audiences.

For more information on tickets and show details, visit Dpac’s official website or purchase tickets at www.cloudjoi.com/shows/symbiocene.