In a recent interview, playwright Finnegan reflected on his past experiences creating didactic art and emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He acknowledged that attempting to change people’s minds through art often resulted in a contrived and unappealing end product. Instead, he emphasized the value of connecting with audiences on a personal level, rather than delivering a moralistic message disguised as entertainment.
Finnegan’s latest production, “Scenes from a Climate Era,” has attracted a diverse audience, a departure from the traditional climate activist demographic that once dominated his shows. Audiences now come to engage in conversations and share their own experiences, rather than be lectured about the dire state of the world. This shift reflects a broader trend in theater, with more plays exploring the complexities of climate change and its intersections with other social issues such as colonization and queer identity.
One of Finnegan’s upcoming projects involves a dramatic adaptation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Seventh Assessment Report. While the report itself won’t be finalized until 2029, Finnegan is already collaborating with scientists to bring its key findings to the stage. He likens the IPCC report to an epic poem, containing a vast universe of stories and insights about our world’s past, present, and future.
As theater continues to evolve as a platform for discussing pressing environmental issues, Finnegan’s work stands out for its commitment to authenticity and meaningful engagement with audiences. In a landscape increasingly defined by urgent environmental challenges, his plays offer a space for reflection, dialogue, and connection.
This post was written by Catherine Early, a respected environmental journalist and chief reporter for The Ecologist. You can find more of her work on Bluesky @catearly.bsky.social.
