The Illinois River rushing past dramatic sandstone bluffs stands among the prettiest views in the state. At times, however, the view along the popular path was less awe inspiring. When I saw the myriad water bottles discarded along the trail, I couldn't help recalling Imagination Theater's Go Green.
In one scene, two friends are on a nature hike when one of them drops an empty water bottle along the trail. A brief conversation follows about littering, but the actor who dropped the bottle defends the choice by pointing to all the other bottles and asking, "What difference does it make?"
This is when we freeze the scene and ask the audience the same question. K-5 students are quick to point out that "just because other people do it, doesn't make it right," and that "littering hurts the plants and animals." Litter diminishes the beauty of nature and reduces its perceived value. Our audiences understand that being an "anti-litter bug" is just one way to respect each other, and protect the planet.
At every performance of Go Green, a volunteer comes on stage to explain to our actors why they shouldn't litter, and encourage them to pick up their trash. Many volunteers have motivated our actors to pick up other trash as well (with gloves and parental supervision, of course.)
At every performance of Go Green, a volunteer comes on stage to explain to our actors why they shouldn't litter, and encourage them to pick up their trash. Many volunteers have motivated our actors to pick up other trash as well (with gloves and parental supervision, of course.)
This weekend, as I often am, I was inspired by our audiences. At the end of my hike I emptied a backpack full of litter into the recycling bins by the trail head. The passion of our audience volunteers persists well after the show.
As always, you can learn more about Imagination Theater programs, including Go Green, at www.imaginationtheater.org.
- Jeremy Schaefer
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