Eco Ball

“A funny character driven play, a timely story filled with big ideas about protest, class and friendship but at the centre of the play is four young people trying to make sense of the world.

Charis and Ruth with their writing have found a way to make big political ideas feel personal.” - Matthew Gabrielli, Award Winning Playwright & ECO-BALL R&D Dramaturg

Eco Ball has been in development since 2022, beginning its life in Wolverhampton as an Arts Council England supported R&D. It was made with young people, for young people and looks at environmental activism and neurodiversity within British schools. It quickly grew from strength to strength, developing over another 2 years, in which time it was brought to Nottingham Playhouse’s Amplify Festival in 2023 and 3Gen Festival at the NEC in 2024.

“If you don’t like something, get up and change it. No one's gonna do it for you.”

Eco-Ball at Amplify Festival 2023

A coming-of-age, environmental comedy, Eco-Ball follows the Oakwood Academy School Council as they try and organise an eco-friendly end-of-year leavers. Much to the distress of the rest of Year 11 and the teachers, things don’t go quite according to plan!

2023 saw a workshop performance exploring accessibility & neurodiversity at Amplify Nottingham Playhouse 2023. Integrating BSL interpreters, using Easy-Read stories and creating a relaxed environment for the play, this experience changed Calathea Arts’ practice forever.

“Thought-provoking, progressive and very fun. Extremely extremely fun.” - Young Audience Member

CREATIVE TEAM

Cast:

Vivienne - Julia Bentley

Tom - Rowan McIntosh

Aimee - Marine Walkinshaw

Riley - Caroline Basra

Interpreters:

Laura Goulden

Alison Green

Eco-Ball at 3-Gen Festival 2024

The play was performed at the NEC, Birmingham at 3Generate Festival in 2024 by members of the Grand Arena Youth Theatre. Many of the cast members had been in the workshop for the original R&D in 2022 and this opportunity gave them the experience of a professional rehearsal space and performance. The creative team also held workshops at the festival that explored climate change, neurodiverse experiences in secondary schools & youth activism.