Smoke

A multidisciplinary performance investigating the global impact of human activities on Earth, “Smoke-Screen,” will be held Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Wyoming College of Education auditorium. The performance is free and open to the public. 

Choreographed and directed by Jennifer Kayle, “Smoke-Screen” considers whether human activities are reshaping the world into a new geologic era, the Anthropocene. As technology merges with natural processes, and as humans alter what was once labeled as “organic,” conventional distinctions begin to blur. Kayle offers “Smoke-Screen” as support to engage in this discussion. 

The show’s premiere was the closing event for the three-day symposium at the University of Iowa on “Energy Cultures in the Age of the Anthropocene.”

“As an invited speaker for the Iowa symposium, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to see many different representations of humanity's impacts,” says Sarah Strauss, UW anthropology professor. “I felt strongly that this production would be a good one for our Wyoming audiences as well.”

A panel discussion will be held following the performance, featuring Kayle, as well as Carlos Martinez del Rio from the Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center and Margaret Wilson from the UW Department of Theatre and Dance.

“Engaging the Anthropocene: Interdisciplinary Reflections on a New Epoch,” a lecture presentation in conjunction with the event, will take place Friday, Oct. 30, at noon in the Wyoming Union Family Room. Presenters include Strauss; Harvey Hix, professor of philosophy; Frieda Knobloch, professor of American studies; and Ron Frost, professor of geology and geophysics.

“Smoke-Screen” is sponsored by UW Academic Affairs; the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources; the Wyoming Institute for Humanities Research; the American Studies Program; and the departments of Theatre and Dance, and Anthropology.