The Trials, a 2022 play by Dawn King, presents a thought-provoking exploration of the climate crisis, in which the older generations are judged by the younger for failing to prevent devastating climate change. • The play takes place in a dystopian future where a jury of young people determines the fate of adults accused of contributing to the climate emergency. • The younger generation holds parents and others accountable for environmental destruction, challenging the notion of intergenerational conflict. • The play explores themes of justice, responsibility, and intergenerational conflict in a world struggling to survive. The Trials will be set in Madison, with the permission of the author, and will challenge audiences to reflect on the climate crisis through the lens of a dystopian future. The production aligns with Children’s Theater of Madison’s (CTM) mission to engage young people in thought-provoking, socially relevant storytelling.

• CTM’s cast features a dynamic ensemble of 12 youth actors, whose performances bring authenticity and urgency to the play’s moral dilemmas.
• The show is directed by Marcella Kearns, Artistic Associate of Forward Theater Company.
• The production involves strong language and mild physical intimacy – recommended for ages 13+.

In The Trials, a jury of young people determines the fate of adults accused of contributing to the climate emergency. This approach challenges the traditional notion of justice and responsibility, as the younger generation takes on the role of judge, jury, and executioner. The play is tense, emotionally charged, and eerily prescient, exploring themes of justice, responsibility, and intergenerational conflict in a world struggling to survive. Yet, it’s not without humor, used deftly to engage the audience in a very real and connective dialog. The cast features a dynamic ensemble of 12 youth actors, whose performances bring authenticity and urgency to the play’s moral dilemmas. The show is directed by Marcella Kearns, Artistic Associate of Forward Theater Company. This production aligns with CTM’s mission to engage young people in thought-provoking, socially relevant storytelling. The cast and crew are dedicated to creating a production that sparks vital conversations about the world they are inheriting and the role of theater in inspiring change. The Trials has been lauded for its stark portrayal of environmental and ethical issues, making it a compelling choice for young adult audiences. The show involves strong language and mild physical intimacy – recommended for ages 13+. Originally staged in the UK to critical acclaim, the play now arrives in Madison at a time when climate activism is at the forefront of global conversations. This gripping production will run from May 2-11 at the Starlight Theater at MYArts.

This production will also be accompanied by an inter-generational panel discussion, From Anxiety to Action: Generational Conversations on Climate Change, on May 10. The panel will bring together voices from three generations to explore how different age groups are reacting to the climate crisis, and to reflect on the main themes of the play. The event will be hosted by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, Children’s Theater of Madison, and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. The panel discussion will provide a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with the themes and challenges of climate change, and to reflect on the role of theater in inspiring change. About Children’s Theater of Madison

Serving the Madison community since 1965, CTM’s mission is to spark imagination and build community through the creation and experience of theater. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all feel welcome, valued, and connected. CTM celebrates visible and invisible differences in identity, gender expression, age, culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, physical ability, learning style, religion, occupation, nationality, immigration status, socio-economic status, and life experiences. CTM has been a resident organization of Overture Center since 2004 and now makes its home in the beautiful, new Madison Youth Arts Center (MYArts) at 1055 E. Mifflin St. on Madison’s near east side. “This production showcases the incredible talent of our young performers and sparks vital conversations about the world they are inheriting and the role of theater in inspiring change.”

— Brian Cowing, CTM Artistic Director

The Trials will be performed at the Starlight Theater at MYArts from May 2-11. Tickets are available at CTMTHEATER.ORG.

The play is a powerful exploration of the climate crisis, and CTM’s production will challenge audiences to reflect on the climate crisis through the lens of a dystopian future. The show is a must-see for anyone interested in thought-provoking theater that sparks vital conversations about the world we are living in.