Two climate activists interrupted a performance of William Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ in London, featuring Sigourney Weaver.
The demonstrators ascended the stage at London’s Theatre Royal yesterday evening, firing a confetti cannon and displaying a sign that read “Over 1.5 Degrees is a Global Shipwreck”.
This statement alludes to the recent announcement that 2024 marks the first complete year exceeding the 1.5-degree global temperature increase limit, beyond which scientists caution that the stability of life is at risk.
Ms. Weaver, who was seated in a chair, was escorted off the stage, while the two activists received a mix of boos and cheers from the audience.
The audience welcomed the activists with a mixture of boos and whistles.
“I am afraid for my children; I can’t ignore the threat of food shortages, life-threatening storms, and resource wars,” she expressed.
The second protester, Richard Weir, 60, a mechanical engineer, added his perspective.
Mr. Weir, hailing from Tynemouth, North Tyneside, declared: “I began my career in the shipyards of Tyneside and witnessed how management complacency led to the downfall of UK manufacturing.
“Now, I see similar failings in leadership as politicians hesitate to act to safeguard us and our families.
“We are already witnessing the repercussions this crisis has on crops, homes, and entire communities. If we do not unite and demand action away from fossil fuels by 2030, we risk suffering the same fate as UK manufacturing.”
Ms. Weaver, aged 75, portrays the magician Prospero in the production, which debuted on 19 December.
Authorities later reported that a 42-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man were arrested in relation to the incident.
