Performing Arts for Disaster Risk Reduction Including Climate Change Adaptation

Much disaster risk reduction (DRR), including climate change adaptation (CCA), policy and practice is developed and progressed through linear depictions involving words. In order to explore the potential of performative-based approaches to DRR including CCA, this chapter focuses on dance and theatre to apply the two lenses of 'embodied knowledge' and 'connection' inherent in performance practice, applying these lenses to both the individual and communal level. Dance and choreography can be used to integrate CCA into DRR by communicating the policies and actions needed at multiple governance scales. DRR including CCA requires collective action based on shared experiences despite differences of opinion. Developing relationships alongside a sense of communal identity, purpose, and trust is an essential building block for such collective action to be fostered. The chapter argues that by leveraging the power of performing arts for accessing embodied knowledge and connection, action for DRR including CCA can be deepened.