Shadow puppet theatre based on the Earth Charter

The theatre show entitled Everything Can Change features various dramatic scenes that illustrate the four Earth Charter principles, bringing them to life with colorful images and dialog. The scenes were created by shadows projected on a white screen, with objects and three-dimensional figures illuminated from behind.

The first principle – Respect and care for the community of life...Respect Earth and life in all its diversity...Affirm faith in the inherent dignity of all human beings and in the intellectual, artistic, ethical, and spiritual potential of humanity – is treated in “The Two Architects.” Two children of different ethnicities encounter each other at the ocean side. Each one dreams of constructing the most beautiful castle ever, and as the children begin building, they become competitive with one another. The audience participates by suggesting solutions, enabling everyone to realize his or her dreams. The principle also states – Secure Earth’s bounty and beauty for present and future generations. In “The City of Forbidden Flowers,” the town mayor bans flowers, plants and butterflies, and the citizens seek solutions to safeguard the future for all.

The second principle – Ecological integrity...Adopt patterns of production, consumption, and reproduction that safeguard Earth’s regenerative capacities, human rights, and community well-being – is depicted with “The City and the Piper.” Traffic and pollution plagues the city; the mayor proposes a solution and hot air balloons are put into use for transportation.

The third principle – Social and Economic justice...Uphold the right of all, without discrimination, to a natural and social environment supportive of human dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well-being – is explored in “Ovomania.” A young girl proposes the construction of a village where people-eggs live well and get along with each other, until one day, a change puts the security of the village into crisis. The audience participates in finding a solution in this conflict in the spirit of welcoming and tolerance.

The fourth principle – Democracy, non-violence and peace...Treat all living being with respect and consideration – comes to life with “The War at the Border.” Two populaces coexist peacefully until an event at the border triggers power plays and reciprocal suspicion. They seek a solution to change the situation and return to peace. The principle also states – Recognize that peace is the wholeness created by right relationships with oneself, other persons, other cultures, other life, Earth, and the larger whole of which all are a part. In “The Unusual Country,” the inhabitants are peaceful and happy, sharing talents and developing civic life, until a harmful virus brings about fear, and the citizens become closed to each other. They explore ways to resolve the situation and regain a sense of solidarity.

The next theatre piece to be performed by the Modena group explores the relationship between humans and trees, continuing in the playful enactment of the Earth Charter’s principles around ecology and awareness.