The Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Theatre gave its first green performance, using ecofriendly lighting and natural fibers to produce a rendition of “Love’s Labour’s Lost” that was a little less harsh on the environment than the traditional stage production.
The student crew used old issues of the State News and non-fume emitting paint to create papier-mâché portions of the set. Actors opted not to have printed scripts, and products that typically would have been shipped in were instead found locally.
“It seems that people are only now starting to think about how we can produce pieces of art that are environmentally friendly,” says Christina Traister, director of the play. “What we’re trying to do is see how this production can potentially impact future productions and to be environmentally friendly as well.”
The performing arts industry uses massive quantities of resources to entertain crowds, but, like many other industries, this one is making some green efforts. Half of the effects in MSU’s rendition of “Love’s Labour’s Lost” had green elements.
“Projects like ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’ help alert us all to how we use resources, often without thinking about the ramifications beyond our immediate cost of wallet,” says Terry Link, director of MSU’s Office of Campus Sustainability. “It helps create ‘mindfulness’ to our choice-making that connects us to the life-support system we rely on.”
MSU plans to host at least one “green” theater production per year.
Source: MSU
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
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