Story perspectives

Kyoto Play Exposes Corporate Greed in Climate Talks

11/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Kyoto dramatizes the 1997 Kyoto Protocol negotiations and is directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin.
The play centers on lobbyist Don Pearlman (Stephen Kunken), portrayed as a villain undermining climate agreements.
The narrative reflects the tension between corporate interests and environmental action.
It critiques the superficiality of political theater and its struggle to engage audiences with bureaucratic minutiae.
It runs at Lincoln Center Theater until November 30, 2025.

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Story summary

Kyoto dramatizes the 1997 Kyoto Protocol negotiations and is directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin.
The play centers on lobbyist Don Pearlman (Stephen Kunken), portrayed as a villain undermining climate agreements.
The narrative reflects the tension between corporate interests and environmental action.
It critiques the superficiality of political theater and its struggle to engage audiences with bureaucratic minutiae.
It runs at Lincoln Center Theater until November 30, 2025.