Students from Southwestern who are interested in the environment are collaborating with students interested in theatre for social justice to try a new approach to environmental awareness. 

The two groups have developed a travelling show that will take people to different places on campus where students encounter decisions that affect the environment. The show, titled “Sam I Am,” will feature a student named Sam who doesn’t know where to start to live a “green” life.

Performances will be given at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31; Saturday, Nov. 1; and Sunday, Nov. 2. Those interested in seeing the show should gather in the atrium of Mood-Bridwell Hall.

“The show offers a realistic outlook on the small acts of kindness that can start to save the world,” said Connor Hanrahan, a junior who is involved with SEAK, the student environmental group on campus. “We’ll travel across campus to introduce the audience to multiple ways that they can make a difference in preserving our most precious resources without dedicating their lives to activism. After the show, they’ll be equipped with all of the tools they need to stop feeling too small to help, and start feeling empowered to make changes.” Hanrahan said he hopes those who see the show will enjoy the energy and excitement that emanates from activism.

“Most of the members of SEAK didn’t even start being ‘activists’ until they came to Southwestern,” he said. “It’s not something that you’re born with, or that you have to do for a living. Activism is just a mindset − it means that you actively engage with the world, its inhabitants and the environment. The reason we love it is that we love the people who are involved. When you have a group of activated individuals, there’s an energy that connects everybody.”

Amy Litzinger, one of the directors of the show, said the Theatre for Social Justice group plans to collaborate with other student organizations in the future to use theatre to further a variety of causes.