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The Little Red Wagon Goes Green |
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If “all the world’s a stage,” as Shakespeare once wrote, then what better way to teach the next generation about sustainability than through interactive youth theatre? The UNH Department of Theatre & Dance will be doing just that as it kicks off its 38th summer season of the famous Little Red Wagon tour. Little Red Wagon is part of ArtsREACH, the education and outreach division of the department. Titled “The Green Team Adventure,” the production will use brief segments that can be easily digested by elementary school-aged children -- along with lots of kid-appropriate humor -- to bring to life four foundational systems of sustainability -- biodiversity, climate, food, and culture. No small order, the department has enlisted the creativity and expertise of UNH’s Director of Acting and Directing, Associate Professor David Kaye, to work with the five member Little Red Wagon troupe to research, create, and direct the piece. |
No stranger to collaborating with UNH’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Tom Kelly, to find ways to use theatre to address issues related to sustainability, Kaye again collaborated with Kelly to integrate into this production sustainability themes mixed with healthy doses of physical comedy, music, and a non-traditional puppet or two. In light of the global challenges we face and the growing awareness about sustainability, “The Green Team Adventure” will live beyond the typical one summer season to become an ongoing theme that evolves over the next five years. ArtsREACH plans on updating the production for future school and summer tours. “With a potential summer audience of over 10,000 children and family members throughout New England, we’re hopeful that the piece will inspire a call to action and a lasting impression with its youngest patrons,” explains Kaye. The 2008 Little Red Wagon season runs June 17 through August 8. To learn more or book a show in your community, visit unh.edu/theatre-dance/wagon.html. |
Did You Know?The Little Red Wagon is the longest- running nonprofit youth theatre tour in the U.S. and has performed at more than 70 New England locations since 1971. |
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Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy local theatre! Whether you die for a good mystery or swoon for Shakespeare, attend performances to support your local arts community. Click here to find Seacoast, New Hampshire area theatre offerings. |
June 7 3rd Annual Seacoast Local Festival 1:00 - 4:00 PM Market Square, Portsmouth, NH Contact: Visit www.seacoastlocalfest.org |
June 17 - August 8 Production by the Little Red Wagon youth theatre tour Locations across New England with bookings available Contact: Visit unh.edu/theatre-dance/wagon.html |
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June 20 - 21 Kingsbury Hall, UNH Durham Come learn about energy technologies, research, policy, and more! Contact: Dr. Gordon Kraft, 862-1318 |
June 28 Open Farm day in Barrington will feature the Yellow House Farm, Lasting Legacy Farm, Warren Farm and others. Contact: Visit yellowhousefarmnh.com
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July - October UNH Student Organic Club Farm Stand Weekly on the UNH Durham Campus Contact: Visit the Organic Garden Club website for details as they become available |
July 17 Slow Food Seacoast Farm Picnic 12- 3 PM Tuckaway Farm, Lee, NH Potluck picnic, field day games, greens tasting, farm tour and more. Contact: Visit slowfoodseacoast.org |
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Since 1997, the University Office of Sustainability -- the oldest endowed sustainability program in higher education in the U.S. -- has been transforming UNH into a sustainable learning community: a land grant, sea grant, and space grant university that unites the spirit of discovery with the challenge of sustainability across its curriculum, operations, research and engagement (CORE) through four initiatives designed around four foundational systems of sustainability -- biodiversity, climate, food, and culture. A spirit of discovery. A small, New England liberal arts college feel. A top-tier university with research in climate science, sustainable energy and engineering, sustainable agriculture and food systems, marine science, natural resources, public health, nutrition, and more. A dedication to community, citizen engagement, diversity, cultural and natural resources, and public arts. Discover sustainability at UNH. UNH University Office of Sustainability 107 Nesmith Hall, 131 Main Street Durham, NH 03824 USA 603.862.4088. 603.862.0785 fax |
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Jenna Jambeck Research Assistant Professor, Environmental Research Group |
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What role does waste management play in sustainability? Waste and sustainability are completely integrated -- “to waste” goes against sustainability. We have a lot of unnecessary packaging and disposable items. I would like to see both waste reduction and a shift in how we think about waste. Instead of a nuisance, people can start to look at waste as a resource. For example, we know how to properly design and operate landfills to protect human health and the environment, and to increase the amount of methane gas they produce through decomposition. This gas can be used to make energy, as UNH will be doing. With our climate changing, this kind of thinking is critical. One of my goals is to educate students and the public on how integrated waste management can help make the earth a better place. Should all students, not just environmental engineers, understand sustainability? Absolutely. Sustainability should be considered by all engineering disciplines, as well as every other discipline. Every decision we make, we should consider the “big picture.” Historically, only short term impacts and paybacks were considered. We now know that we must look at decisions on a life-cycle basis and consider problems holistically to be sustainable. |
What motivates you personally to be involved in sustainability? Ever since I was young, my family and I have passionately cared for our environment. I grew up in a small Minnesotan town and a restrictedly developed Florida island. Living in those environments, I had an appreciation for nature and played many hours in the ocean, forests, fields and rivers. Even in high school I knew I wanted to become an advocate for the environment. I did land my dream job and love what I do. But anyone can make a difference on a day-to-day basis: you don’t have to be an environmental engineer. As my husband and I grow our family, sustainability really hits home; we think about it in all we do. Maybe our children will continue our passion and make a difference too. Learn more about UNH’s Environmental Research Group. -------------------------------- “Green Your Office” Workshops ContinueFree “Green Your Office” workshops for UNH offices and departments will still be offered through July! Email sustainability.info@unh.edu or call 862-8564 to sign up for a 1-hour, 90-minute, or 2-hour workshop tailored to your needs and presented in your office. |
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