The use of art and theater is a particularly effective strategy for climate communication. Art and theater play a crucial role in translating complex climate science into accessible and relatable narratives. Through dynamic visuals, performances, and storytelling, these mediums can vividly illustrate climate impacts like flooding, making them tangible and urgent for audiences. By engaging emotions and fostering empathy, art and theater make emergency preparedness more comprehensible, encouraging proactive steps against climate-related disasters.
Waterfront Alliance’s Community Day on April 20 was uniquely centered around the climate art performance of “Flood Sensor Aunty,” a play written and directed by Sabina Sethi Unni. This innovative event brought together community members to explore climate resilience and disaster preparedness through the engaging medium of theater. The day saw a total attendance of 70 people who experienced a performance that blends “really funny theater and community disaster prevention.”
The play, “Flood Sensor Aunty,” revolves around a flood sensor working at her aunt’s chai shop with aspirations of becoming a movie star. This creative narrative serves as a vehicle to convey crucial information about how “the best way to protect yourself from flooding, climate change, and despair is through knowing your neighbors.”
“Flood Sensor Aunty” being performed in Traver’s Park. Credit: Furhana Husani
The performance in Jackson Heights, Queens, was part of an initiative to transform a park into a new space for arts and culture. Furhana Husani, the Director of Programs and Climate Initiatives at Waterfront Alliance, participated in a talk back session, providing essential emergency preparedness tips specifically for residents of basement apartments, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Her insights included practical advice on creating emergency kits, understanding flood risks, and developing evacuation plans.
Attendees of “Flood Sensor Aunty” were not only entertained but also left with practical resources, including flood alarms and calls to action around legalizing basement apartments from Chhaya CDC.
It’s clear that “Flood Sensor Aunty” serves as a prime example of a climate art approach to resilience, seamlessly connecting theater to disaster preparedness by incorporating culturally relevant elements and tangible emergency planning materials.
Incorporating cultural competencies into climate communication is essential. Cultural competencies ensure that climate messages are tailored to the specific values, beliefs, and practices of different communities, making the information more relatable and easier to understand. It can also foster trust and encourage active participation in climate action. Recognizing and respecting cultural diversity ensures that climate solutions are inclusive and equitable, addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by different communities. By integrating cultural elements, communicators can engage communities more effectively, preserving cultural heritage and leveraging traditional knowledge for climate adaptation and mitigation.
Beyond the central comedy/climate prep performance, the Community Day also included Waterfront Alliance’s Estuary Explorers program, which provided children with hands-on opportunities to learn about urban flooding and completed significant water quality testing. Through interactive activities, young participants explored the causes and impacts of flooding, as well as important steps that can be taken to prevent it.
Additionally, the presence of New York City Emergency Management, Open House New York, and the Western Queens Community Land Trust, provided services and built awareness on various aspects of community well-being and resilience.
By integrating an engaging artistic performance with the presence of informative community organizations, Waterfront Alliance’s event offered a multifaceted approach to raising awareness and promoting preparedness around the critical issue of flooding and climate change.
Waterfront Alliance Education Program Manager Jake Madelone hosting Estuary Explorers activities for local youth during Community Day. Credit: Furhana Husani
