Auckland Theatre Company’s Youth Company interrogates what will be left of our earth for future generations to inherit. ATC’s Youth Company present The Trials and Future-tense at the Basement Theatre this November.

The Trials by Dawn King

It is the near future; the climate emergency is gathering pace and our generation is being judged. The jurors are children. But are they delivering justice or just taking revenge?

In Dawn King's The Trials, those who are responsible for the climate emergency are being judged - literally - by a younger generation.

The Trials was first performed at the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus in January 2022 and was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.

'A gripping climate dystopia...compelling and fascinating...a parable about the near future that's also an unsettling window into the vertiginous chaos of revolution' - Time Out (UK)

Directed by Acacia O’Connor and Matthew Kereama.

Approx: 1 hour and 15 minutes, no interval. The Trials contains strobe lighting, strong language and references to the climate crisis, bereavement, execution, euthanasia, and war crimes.

Future-tense curated by Keagan Carr Fransch

A play anthology, Future-tense is a collection of six 10 minute plays. The stories all ruminate on the future of Aotearoa and are performed by the 2023 members of the ATC Youth Company.

These imaginations on our future are darkly funny, sharp, and insightful.

From an AI (artificial intelligence) robot at the construction of a new Waitematā harbour bridge, to the last descendants of tangata whenua trying to find their way back to the culture that's been stripped from them, this collection of stories is thought-provoking, inspiring and entertaining.

Directed by Leo Gene Peters and Jane Yonge.

Featuring writing from Tāmaki Makaurau-based writers: Alex de Vries, Shelby Kua, Te Huamanuka Luiten-Apirana, Tuakoi Ohia, Vira Paky & Zane Wood

Approx: 1 hour and 10 minutes, no interval. Future-tense contains strobe lighting, strong language, sexual references, depictions of mental illness, threats of violence, suggested drug use, and themes of racism.

Dive into the story and enrich your theatre experience by attending our special events.

Friday Forum is your chance to dive deeper into the world of theatre, gaining new insights into the work. Arrive before the performance to hear from special guest speakers, who delve more deeply into the world and themes of the play.

Come intrigued; leave inspired. 

Featuring Daniel Cliffords from Generation Zero

Generation Zero is a youth-led climate advocacy organisation. They advocate for effective and equitable climate policies, addressing emissions, and the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. They work to create a sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand where our environment is cared for, the next generation is set to thrive, and no one is left behind. 

Featuring Sam Lincoln from Ark in the Park

Ark in the Park is a collaborative project between Forest & Bird and Auckland Council, supported by local mana whenua Te Kawerau ā Maki. The Ark is also a member of the Sanctuaries of New Zealand collective and the Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance.

Sam joined the Ark in the Park team in July 2020, after spending two years travelling Aotearoa conducting vegetation monitoring. She works closely with the stakeholders and funders behind the Ark in the Park to further our conservation goals and to support the amazing work of our volunteer community. Of Ngāti Porou (Ngāti Hau) descent, she is motivated to care for Aotearoa’s taiao.

Friday Forum takes place in the Basement Studio prior to the performance and is free for anyone to attend. Registration required on iTicket.

Youth Company is proudly supported by Youth Company Supporters Group.