Water Futures

words by ben stephens

We need to talk about water.

I know, you’ve heard it all before. It’s the liquid that covers the most of planet Earth, our bodies are pretty made of it and without it, us fallible humans would die.

Thankfully, the good people behind Asia TOPA (Asia-Pacific Triennial of Performing Arts) are currently in town to discuss the many issues that face the world, and in particular, the Asia-Pacific. Using the many mediums that make up the performing arts, from visual, screen, literary and of course performance.

On February 23, the Arts Centre Melbourne will host a range of speakers, discussing the rich resource and what we need to be doing to future proof us with water filled outlook.

We need to have a sit down catch up and see where we are at, where we are heading and what can we do about it. As a planet without water begins to look a lot like the moon, all dusty and dry.

The lineup of those sparks talking is a little overwhelming at times.

Take Rajendra Singh, a headlining speaker one may say. Singh, or also known as the Water Man of India was named in The Guardian’s: 50 People who could save the world. While working as a doctor in rural India, he used ancient techniques to harvest rainwater to benefit local farmers and communities.

Singh isn’t the only one you’ll be wanting to hear from, with the likes of Latai Taumoepeau; a Tongan/Australian performance artist, Tory Birch; the much celebrated Indigenous author and teacher and Eva Abal; the Director of Sustainable Water for the Global Climate Change Institute.

This is just naming a few on the talking panel, it’s stacked with some bright minds that all have the ability to save the world.

The talk will be facilitated by the folks at TippingPoint Australia, making this one of the most important conversations you’ll have all year…

Water Futures is at the Arts Centre Melbourne February 23

Asia TOPA is finally here! Check out our free and ticketed events throughout Melbourne: link in bio. #asiaTOPA

A post shared by Asia TOPA (@asiatopa) on Feb 1, 2017 at 10:57pm PST