Climate change impacts highlighted through puppetry in Nigeria's Makoko

In Makoko, Nigeria, a unique theatrical tour called 'The Herds' recently captured the community's attention. This event took place over the weekend and involved several canoes that paddled toward the floating slum, showcasing life-sized puppet animals. These puppets included a gorilla, leopard, elephant, wildebeest, giraffe, and donkey that engaged audiences as they brought the animals to life, symbolizing the impact of climate change as they travel north from Africa's Congo Basin to the Arctic Circle. This theatrical performance aimed to illustrate the consequences of global warming, where diverse species face displacement from their habitats. The slum of Makoko, known for its unique resilience to climate change, presents a poignant backdrop for this narrative. With its low-lying structures built on stilts, the community is vulnerable to rising sea levels and annual flooding, common challenges faced in Lagos, Nigeria's bustling coastal city. Artistic director Amir Nizar Zuabi emphasized that communities in the global south possess significant knowledge and adaptability when confronting environmental crises, contrasting it with the often dismissive attitude found in the global north. As 'The Herds' moved through Makoko and into the nearby Yaba suburb, the puppets prompted reactions from residents, with many stopping to watch and even mimic the animals. Children and adults alike were captivated, highlighting how the performance bridged the gap between art and immense social issues. Samuel Shemede, a local resident, remarked on how realistic the puppets appeared and how it was a first-time experience for many to witness such a performance. The organizers of 'The Herds' stressed the importance of making climate change understandable and relatable to ordinary people, who might feel disconnected from scientific discussions dominated by technical jargon. In the context where African nations are losing up to 5% of their GDP annually due to climate change, this theatrical tour serves a broader purpose: to educate the public and inspire conversations about resilience and adaptation to environmental challenges.