Using unapologetic idealism and a few willing volunteers, interactive theatre-maker Kip Chapman’s The Resistance transports audiences back to high school in the climate justice era.

Marlee, Bundilla, Miro and Pepper know they need change now if they want to live in a world free from the impacts of climate change. In defiance of patronising adults and inexperience their protest movement has been steadily building momentum, but as obstacles mount and tensions build, their friendship and belief in their pursuit of climate justice are essential if they’re going to succeed.

In the true spirit of interactive theatre, a large number of willing volunteers picked from the audience join the protest preparations on stage. A sense of urgency and hilarity is inevitable as they bumble around the vibrantly coloured, occasionally smoke-filled stage, largely uninformed about what they’re meant to be doing. If you’ve always wanted a jaunt on stage and you’re open to painting protest signs or joining a haphazard riot squad, this show is definitely for you.

In addition to the hope and excitement we want and expect children to exhibit when they talk about changing the world, there’s a really genuine anger that it’s important to give space to for the generation facing a world ravaged by climate change. Too often this anger is trivialised, as The Resistance highlights through, but that doesn’t make it any less real or important.

The mixture of personalities and methods for enacting change by Marlee (Diya Goswami), Bundilla (Lakesha Grant), Miro (Jack Walton) and Pepper (Thea Sholl) show how Australia’s diverse younger generations are uniting behind climate justice, further evidenced by the 10 million school students from 260 countries who have participated in a School Strike 4 Climate since they began in 2018. Grant is particularly compelling as Bundilla, who in addition to planning a climate protest also grapples with ongoing injustices experienced by Indigenous Australians and the knowledge that getting justifiably angry will punish her more than those responsible for the problems. Stage and screen heavyweights Genevieve Lemon and Jo Turner complement the performances of the emerging actors, Turner giving a face to multiple villainous adult characters and Lemon rousing the group when they become discouraged.

It’s a chaotic and genuine portrayal of how grassroots campaigns sink or swim because of the people behind them. If The Resistance is anything to go by, Australia’s climate future is in good hands.

Purchase your ticket to The Resistance here.

Petillant Naturel (Pet Nat) | Wine Pairing

Pet Nat is a natural form of sparkling wine, made via a method that involves bottling the wine before it has fermented completely, without adding anything to it. Because of this, it develops unique freshness and texture perfect for cheers-ing to the talent and promise of the younger generations.

The Resistance, Australian Theatre for Young People | Tasting Notes

Aussie Season	16 Feb to 11 March 2023, The Rebel Theatre, Australian Theatre for Young People (AYTP)
Ticket $	$43-60
Writer	Kip Chapman
Director	Kip Chapman
Theatre Type & Genre	Interactive Theatre
See it if you like	activist-inspired storytelling, audience participation
Other Info	A co-production between AYTP and Auckland Theatre Company
Wine Pairing	Pet Nat
Criteria for Wine Pairing	fresh, tropical fruits, certified organic