Salisbury-based theatre makers are creating a post-apocalyptic family show that spotlights the climate emergency in a hopeful and inspiring way.

Anna Harriott and Iona Johnson are working to create Stories in the Dust - a new piece of Arts Council-funded theatre.

It was first created with a seed fund from MAST Mayflower Studios and enables young people to share their views and to be inspired and reassured by people like Professor Ian Williams who is already working to make the world a better place. 

Salisbury Journal: Stories in the Dust at Longford Primary School

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Anna said: “It was an incredible thing, to see young people so engaged, and inquisitive about the climate emergency. They were able to express their feelings, their concerns and ask Professor Ian Williams their questions about it.

"The young people then created and performed songs, poems, pictures and presentations, sharing them with us, sparking more questions and lively discussions.

“Getting to the heart of how the young people feel about the climate crisis is important to us because we'll now be weaving their thoughts and words into the script and storyline, returning to perform the finished show in the school, at the end of July.

“Alongside the show, we're creating an education pack so that the conversations it sparks can be supported and carried on at home and in the children's wider learning at school."

The show is entering its research and development phase thanks to funding from the Arts Council England and with support from Pound Arts Centre and Wiltshire Creative. Stories in the Dust will tour in the Autumn months to professional venues, arts centres and to schools.

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Headteacher at Longford Primary School, Mrs Knipe said: “We jumped at the chance to take part in 'Stories in the Dust', an Arts Council project with Ian Williams, Professor of Applied Environmental Science at the University of Southampton. 

“The children are very aware of global warming and were keen to take action to raise awareness of the issue, in different ways, inspired by workshops adapted for each year group, from dance to passionate presentations. It was a valuable and inspiring day for all involved.”