Live Arts Miami Presents ‘Ocean Filibuster’

In the midst of a global climate crisis, it’s up to humans to convey the magnitude of the emergency and spur others into action – but a new show coming to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts this month gives that voice straight back to the source.

The performing arts center has partnered with Live Arts Miami to present “Ocean Filibuster,” a new theater work from Obie Award-winning company PearlDamour that places the ocean itself at the forefront of a heated and timely debate.

Presented as part of Live Arts Miami’s ECOCultura series of “performances for the planet,” “Ocean Filibuster” introduces Mr. Majority, who, through his “End of Ocean Bill,” proposes shrinking the Earth’s oceans into a more manageable collection of inland seas.

Set in a future global senate chamber, the Ocean arrives in a personified form to speak in its own defense, soon immersing audience members in an innovative and mysterious musical theater experience.

Both the roles of Mr. Majority and the Ocean are played by Jenn Kidwell, who guides viewers through an exploration of people’s intimate relationship with the sea.

Kidwell is joined onstage by a locally cast “Ocean Choir” that echoes the message of interconnectedness and urges humans to act before it’s too late. The show ends with the Ocean Choir passing tones above the audience, blanketing them in a sea of sound.

“‘Ocean Filibuster’ is larger than a show,” said Kathryn Garcia, executive and artistic director of Live Arts Miami. “It is the continued dialogue as part of a network of arts and grassroots organizations that will spark a sea change in how we view climate, justice and equity.”

During the show’s intermission, audience members can explore several “mini labs” that combine fact with tale to further evoke the themes of the performance. A carefully curated app known as “Deep Wonder” will provide participants with a view of the deep ocean floor right from the screens of their phones or tablets.

There will also be a Miami-specific mini lab created in partnership with the Ocean Conservancy and University of Miami’s Rescue a Reef program featuring a card and dice game that directly showcases human-induced effects on coral reefs. The game will be moderated by performer Evan Spigelman.

Audiences will also be able to engage in a Q&A forum with the artists following the show, facilitated by an environmental leader from the community.

“Ocean Filibuster” premieres Saturday, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. in the Carnival Studio Theater, with multiple shows running through Sunday, Nov. 20. Tickets are $45 per person and may be purchased at LiveArtsMiami.org.