TRASHedy: A powerful call to action for environmental stewardship through laughter and reflection

Review by Maleeha Iqbal

In a world increasingly defined by environmental crises and rapid overconsumption, TRASHedy takes the stage and becomes a powerful platform for reflection and advocacy. Two performers take us on an eye-opening and chaotic journey through a consumer-driven world, making us question how much waste we will leave behind and what our contribution to this world is.

Through the art of movement, their bodies intertwined to share the depths of the vicious cycle the environment goes through time and time again. In the beginning scene, the animals are brought to life to live and breathe in their habitat and roam the world freely. But they face obstacles and barriers due to habitat destruction, pollution, deforestation, and overconsumption.

While watching the play, I was taken aback by how some of our daily tasks or leisure time could be somewhat impacting our environment in a negative way. Like online shopping, using petrol, or simply having the latest iPhone. So throughout the play, I became mindful of what I spend my money on, and the little ways I can contribute to protect my environment.

The storytelling was well crafted yet unapologetically funny. Props, lighting, and music contributed to telling such an innovative story. In one of the scenes, the animal is being forced to drink out of paper cup.sOnee cup leads to 3 cups leads to 10 cups leads to 15 cups and so on these cups then are thrown onto the stage floor, signifying a heap of mess and how much harmful waste is created every day. Audience engagement seemed to be a priority in spreading the message. Throughout the scenes, we would see the actor and actress use an audience member's shoe or phone as a prop, building a personal connection with the audience.

Towards the end of the play, we listen to our voice memo recorded by the two performers, discussing how they are going to convey their message through the play, but in their own unconventional and unique way. This was quite a special moment for us as the audience because we were able to get a glimpse into their creative process and the very beginning chapters.

As someone who has watched a handful of plays in her time, I found TRASHedy to be a memorable play as it made me think, laugh, and reflect.