Writer Duncan Macmillan has been talking to one of the world’s most influential Climate Scientists Chris Rapley. Working with internationally renowned director, Katie Mitchell, a new piece of theatre has been created where the science is centre stage.

Climate change is a matter of importance to everyone, but what to do about it is mired in controversy. What’s needed is a conversation. What do we owe future generations? How can we protect our children and grandchildren?

Chris Rapley CBE is the Chair of the London Climate Change Partnership and Professor of Climate Science at University College London.

After Ten Billion, Katie Mitchell’s collaboration with the scientist Stephen Emmott in 2012, and directing the German language production of Duncan Macmillan’s Lungs, Katie continues her commitment to exploring the future of life on earth and climate change through theatre.

Writer and director Duncan Macmillan will be working at the Royal Court for the first time with2071. Most recently, his production of 1984, created with Robert Icke transferred to the West End after runs at the Nottingham Playhouse and Almeida. He has worked with Katie Mitchell on several occasions, including on The Forbidden Zone at Salzburg Festival this summer, which will also be livestreamed at the Barbican, on Lungs at the Schabuehne in Berlin and on Reise durch die Nacht at the Deutsches Schauspiehaus in Hamburg. His play Lungs for Paines Plough won Best Play at the Off West End Awards and the CBS Outstanding Drama Award.

Scientist Chris Rapley is Professor of Climate Science at University College London and Chair of the London Climate Change Partnership. He was director of the Science Museum from 2007 to 2010 and awarded the Edinburgh Science Medal. He was Executive Director of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme IGBP from 1994 to 1998, and Director of the British Antarctic Survey from 1998 to 2007.

Director Katie Mitchell’s recent credits at the Royal Court includes Ten Billion, Simon Stephens’Wastwater and Martin Crimp’s The City. Her work with Duncan Macmillan includes The Forbidden Zone, Lungs and Reise Durch die Nacht. Other credits include The Trial of Ubu Roi at Hampstead Theatre, After Dido for English National Opera and the Young Vic, and A Woman Killed With Kindness, Pains of Youth,…some trace of her, Waves, Three Sisters and The Seagull at the National Theatre.

Age guidance 14+

Running Time 65 minutes