Shakespeare’s Globe Launches Climate Playwriting Prize

Shakespeare’s Globe has announced the launch of its inaugural climate playwriting prize for 2026, aimed at fostering a deeper connection between storytelling and environmental awareness. The initiative seeks to inspire societal shifts towards a restorative relationship with nature, drawing on the themes prevalent in William Shakespeare's works, which often explore the relationship between humans and the environment. Michelle Terry, the artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe, emphasized the importance of theatre in uniting people and conveying impactful stories about humanity's role in nature.

The Guardian

The climate playwriting prize will award £15,000 to the winning playwright, along with support for the development of their play, including rehearsal drafts with specialists at Shakespeare’s Globe and partner organizations, Climate Spring and Fern Culture. The prize encourages submissions of un-produced full-length stage plays in English that address the climate and nature crisis, with themes interpreted broadly to include environmental changes and societal responses. Submissions will open in June and close on September 1, with winners announced in the autumn. The initiative also collaborates with various theatres across the UK, such as Chichester Festival Theatre and Leeds Playhouse, to host climate storytelling workshops.

The Guardian

Amber Massie-Blomfield, director of Fern Culture, highlighted the significance of the prize in a time of profound change, stating that storytelling is essential for processing human experiences and envisioning future possibilities. Josh Cockcroft, director of impact and research at Climate Spring, echoed this sentiment, noting that theatre has the power to create unique communal experiences that can foster collective action in the face of climate challenges.

The Guardian

While the initiative has garnered support, some critics may question the effectiveness of theatre as a medium for addressing climate issues compared to other forms of activism. Concerns may arise regarding whether the prize can genuinely influence public perception and action on climate change or if it serves merely as a symbolic gesture.

The Guardian

Michelle Terry remarked on the importance of reminding society of its connection to nature, stating, “Now is the time to remind ourselves of our human nature and remember the profound and positive contribution we can make on planet Earth.” This sentiment reflects the overarching goal of the prize to engage playwrights in addressing pressing environmental issues through their work.

The Guardian

• “We exist in a time of profound significance for all human history, as we transform the ways we live to ensure a flourishing future for life on our planet.” — Amber Massie-Blomfield, Director, Fern Culture

The Guardian

The climate playwriting prize represents a significant effort by Shakespeare’s Globe to leverage the arts in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time, inviting a diverse range of voices to contribute to the conversation on climate change through theatre.

The Guardian