Climate Change & Space Colonization in Failed Experiment
by Lilith Rose, dramaturg
In Failed Experiment, the playwright’s answer to Fermi’s Paradox of “where is everyone? Why haven’t they contacted us?” is more based on judgement than technology. The answer may be that we are too destructive and capitalistic to bother with. Perhaps even too much of a ‘failed experiment’ to keep around… which is why the commanders decide on a “bet” to see if we turn ourselves around.
The most interesting conversation, besides the obvious plea to treat the planet better, is the concept of space colonization and space-imperialism. Humans are so imperialistic in nature that the aliens in Failed Experiment fear us.
“ALIEN 1: And rookie, the way they are, I’m not sure it would be wise to reveal our existence. They can find our planet. We’re very close. It has been thousands of years since we’ve had any weapons. How would we defend ourselves?”
Fermi’s Paradox wonders about the possibility of intelligent life that explores the galaxy using advanced technology. This leads to the misleading hypothesis that: “well, if the aliens haven’t taken advantage of this yet, they must not exist.” This in turn reveals the assumption that the ‘nature’ of humans is to dominate, through means of force and violence in order to achieve a never-ending hunt for the most land, power, and resources. Perhaps, this is not the assumption of other forms of intelligent life. If this way of thinking doesn’t change, we are a liability to these aliens and their home. And, we are also a liability to ourselves.
About the Playwright:
Vitor Martinelli Jabota is a Brazilian professor, director, producer, and writer. Vitor is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He dabbles in marketing and is a life coach interested in philosophy and contemporaneity. In 2009, he received training from the International Academy of Cinema as a producer of TV. In 2010, he received training from the New York Film Academy for producing and directing films. You can access his LinkedIn here. His short play Failed Experiment was recognized and shown in the 2019 season of Climate Change Theatre Action.
Cast
Alien 1: Sarah Semon
Alien 2: Katelyn Nevin
Artistic Team
- Ann Elizabeth Armstrong – Director
- Gion DeFrancesco – Production Designer and Video Editor
- Maura Kesterson – Stage Manager
- Lilith Rose – Dramaturg
- Jason Sebastian – Sound Designer and Editor
- Taylor Yaeck – Costume and Makeup Designer
Question:
Why is it that we cannot fathom a way of life without colonization, imperialism, and owning land? What might be alternative concepts as we find a new path forward?
Special Thanks
Williams Hall TV studio and staff