The Performance+Ecology Research Lab
The Performance + Ecology Research Lab (P+ERL) is an initiative dedicated to furthering climate justice across all aspects of contemporary theatre-making and building sustainable futures in and beyond the performing arts. Our work is embedded in ecocritical and transdisciplinary research, and investigates ideas of performance and performativity in a climate-changed world. Further, we are interested in addressing the challenges of cultural and corporate sustainability. We collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders — creatives, scientists, educators, activists and community groups, as well as commercial, industry and government organisations — with the aim of supporting cultural policy and creative practice that responds to the global environmental crisis.
PâșERL CO-DIRECTORS
Dr Tanja Beer
Dr Tanja Beer is a Senior Lecturer in Design at Queensland College of Art and Design, Griffith University, Australia. Originally trained as a set and costume designer, her extensive career as an ecological designer, community artist and researcher builds on more than 20 years of theatre practice. Tanja’s pioneering concept of Ecoscenography has been featured in numerous programs, exhibitions, articles and platforms around the world. She is the author of Ecoscenography: An Introduction to Ecological Design for Performance (2021).
Dr Linda Hassall
Dr Linda Hassall is the Deputy Convener of the Bachelor of Arts, School Humanities, Griffith University. Her research focuses on devising and producing contemporary performance and explores the relationship between theatre and climate change. She further explores the developing of sustainable production technologies in response to theatre’s carbon footprint. Linda is the author of Theatres of Dust: Climate Gothic Analysis in contemporary Australian drama and performance landscapes (2021). She is an award-winning playwright of Post Office Rose (2008) and director of Salvation (2012).
Dr Natalie Lazaroo
Dr Natalie Lazaroo is a Lecturer in Education (Drama) at Griffith University, where her research interests lie in cultural citizenship, socially engaged performance, arts-based research, and decentring/decolonising methodologies. Natalie has received grants for her work into the arts and cultural citizenship with disadvantaged young people in Singapore, where she has been involved in a long-term and ongoing collaboration.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
- Sophie Barfod Dye
- Dr. Kaya Barry
- Dr. Saffron Benner
- Shaun Charles
- Angela Goh
- Willow Manton
- Kathryn Marquet
- Prof. Julian Meyrick
- Dr. Samid Suliman
- Prof. Vanessa Tomlinson
- Dr. Sarah Woodland
- Vulcana Circus
PROJECTS
Culture for Climate
A preliminary study into how Australian performing arts organisations are responding to the global environmental crisis (2021-2023).
The Flood Project
An applied theatre research project exploring the real-life testimonies of the Brisbane flood-affected Rocklea community (2023-2024).
Climate Scapes
A circus exploration of the challenges to migratory pathways in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway in collaboration with Vulcana Circus (2021-ongoing).
Littoralis - South Bank in Situ
A hypothetical student-led design for The Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design & Space PQ Studio [UN]Common Design Project 2023.
CULTURE FOR CLIMATE REPORT
The Culture for Climate Report is a preliminary study into how Australian performing arts organisations are responding to the global environmental crises through sustainability strategies, programming practices and policies.
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Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this Country on which we live and work. We recognise their continuing connection to place and culture, and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.