Climate Activists Disrupt London Play Starring Sigourney Weaver with Confetti Cannon

Protesters Target “The Tempest” Production at Theatre Royal

Two climate activists from the Just Stop Oil group disrupted a London stage performance of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” starring Hollywood actress Sigourney Weaver yesterday. The play, which opened on December 19, was underway at the Theatre Royal when the protesters climbed onto the stage.

Confetti Cannon and Protest Sign

The activists launched a confetti cannon and held a sign which read “Over 1.5 Degrees is a Global Shipwreck”. The message refers to the recent announcement that 2024 was the first full year over the 1.5°C global temperature rise limit, beyond which scientists warn stability of life is under threat.

Audience Reaction

The audience greeted the protesters with boos and whistles, along with shouts of “get them off”. The interruption was brief, with the protesters quickly removed by security.

Just Stop Oil Statement

In a statement, Just Stop Oil named one of the activists as Hayley Walsh, a 42-year-old lecturer from Nottingham in central England. “I am scared for my children, I can’t sleepwalk them into a future of food shortages, life-threatening storms and wars for resources,” she said.

The second protester, Richard Weir, 60, a mechanical engineer, added: “I am here to say that our leaders have failed us. It is time for action, not words.”

Sigourney Weaver’s Role in “The Tempest”

Alien actress Sigourney Weaver, 75, plays the magician Prospero in the play. Her performance has been well-received by critics and audiences alike.

Conclusion

The disruption of the play highlights the growing concern among climate activists that the window for action is rapidly closing. With the world already exceeding the 1.5°C limit, the consequences of inaction are dire. The protesters’ message was clear: “Over 1.5 Degrees is a Global Shipwreck”, and it is up to world leaders to take immediate action to mitigate the crisis.

FAQs

* What is the Just Stop Oil group?
Just Stop Oil is a climate activist group that has been involved in several high-profile protests in recent months.
* What is the 1.5°C global temperature rise limit?
The 1.5°C limit is a target set by the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate change.
* What is the significance of the 2024 temperature record?
The 2024 temperature record marks the first full year over the 1.5°C global temperature rise limit, beyond which scientists warn stability of life is under threat.