Writing The Earth, an exciting collaborative programme between Irish Writers Centre and the iCRAG SFI Research Centre, has brought writers and scientists together to explore climate change, climate justice, sustainable development and geosciences. The collaboration has produced six unique pieces of creative writing, including two plays, that were launched during Heritage Week 2023 in Pearse St Library.
The writer / scientist partnerships produced six unique pieces of creative writing which were read and performed to an enthusiastic audience.
The collection includes scenes from two new plays that explore the health of the planet and the ways we can avoid mass extinction. Other writings examine the global impact of consumerism, and the human connection between worker and object; sustainable car design; Ireland’s relationship with water through the lens of family history, mythology and science; our changing seas and biodiversity.
The six pieces were:
“Chasing Giants”
By writer Eoghan Totten and scientists Mark Coughlan and Guillaume Hug.
“At Swim in a Changing Sea”
By writer Jane Robinson, and scientists Hannah Binner and Tuhin Chakraborty
“A Survivor's Guide to the End of the World (As You Know It)”
By writer Gill Buckle, and scientist Pablo Rodriguez Salgado
“The Rain Clouds Are Gathering in the West”
By writer Selina Eagney, and scientist Tiernan Henry
“After Elodie “
By writer Dee Roycroft, and scientist Malena Cazorla Martínez
“Toxic Relationships”
By writer Byddi Lee, and scientist Micha Ruhl
Thanks to Dublin City of Literature for supporting this event, and the Arts Council of Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland as funders.
Writing the Earth was created by Valerie Bistany, Director at the Irish Writers Centre and Dr Fergus McAuliffe, Communications and Engagement Manager at iCRAG. The programme was facilitated and co-ordinated by Fiona O’Rourke. The writers were mentored by Maria McManus, and received professional editorial advice from Patsy Horton.
Read Sylvia Thompson's Irish Times piece here.
