The performance of normal: Playing the part while CO2 upstages us all

Using performance terminology and theatre as a framework, this article explores how CO 2 impairs our world but is societally ignored in the desire and upholding of ‘normalcy’. With a close exploration of how CO 2 and airborne viruses such as COVID continue to make our performance spaces less safe, the article at first examines these scientific realities against current norms and practices and includes measurements of CO 2 levels at various performance venues. Connecting the growing risk of pandemics and illness to climate change, the article then correlates rising levels of CO 2 on the planet with its disastrous consequences as a by-product of our desire to perform normalcy at the expense of dire realities. The article illustrates how all efforts to lower CO 2 indoors and outdoors are critically important and must override our ‘performance of normal’ that ignores, denies or pretends otherwise. Doing so, we must instead accept the hope, loss and possibilities of performing something new.