Newcastle primary school pupils collaborate on new play
Children from Hotspur Primary have been working with Newcastle Uni researchers and local theatre group Cap-A-Pie
Last updated 26th May 2023
Primary school children in Newcastle are working with university researchers and local theatre group, Cap-a-Pie, to highlight the threat to insect populations - and what that could mean for the planet.
The company behind the award-winning "Climate Change Catastrophe!" shown at COP26, have created the new project, aiming to bring the latest research from animal behaviour researcher, Dr Vivek Nityananda to life with "The Vanishing Act."
Dr Nityananda is a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) David Phillips researcher at the Centre for Behaviour and Evolution and the Biosciences Institute research fellow at Newcastle University whose work has been featured in the New York Times, Time Magazine and National Geographic TV.
He says, “I’ve always been fascinated with the different abilities of insects and my research now is trying to find out how they see and interact with the world. With this play I’m trying to share some of that wonder but also talk about how insect populations are at risk from the chemicals we use and habitat loss.
"These threats to our essential and often overlooked insect populations gave us the idea for the title, The Vanishing Act.
“Working with Cap-a-Pie and engaging a wide variety of audiences, from children to adults, has been inspiring. It allows findings from insect research to come to life and connect with people in a meaningful way.”
Artistic Director Brad McCormick of Cap-a-Pie explains, “After collaborating with young people on Climate Change Catastrophe we’re really excited to be back in the classroom to make The Vanishing Act. Primary school students are passionate about the environment, fascinated by insects, and have the capacity to be both wildly imaginative and incredibly profound.
"We’re also looking forward to creating another show with the environment at its heart. Cap-a-Pie is committed to learning how we can be as sustainable as possible both on and off-stage.”
Jack Gardner from Hotspur Primary School adds, “Our students are becoming increasingly aware of the ongoing environmental changes throughout the world, so we're really looking forward to being part of this project.
"An opportunity to collaborate on a play about insects will enable them to explore this timely and fascinating subject in a creative and playful way.
“Having collaborated on Climate Change Catastrophe - where our students worked with climate scientists, engineers and theatre makers to develop ideas designed to tackle the climate crisis - we know that we can rely on Cap-a-Pie for their inclusive approach to drama, as well as academic rigour.”