Transmission of ecological values
The installation, “The City Rat’s Noble Mission”, addressed multiple ecological topics, including pollution, resource conservation, and community-driven sustainability. The artistic translation centred on the allegorical journey of a city rat and a dove, who worked together to restore a polluted river. This narrative emphasised resilience, cooperation, and the importance of collective action in addressing ecological challenges.
Authors: Dezdemóna Kovács in collaboration with Young Ambassadors Olivér Kiss and Dominik Cseppely. Pro Progressione
The narrative was developed based on themes identified in the young ambassadors’ artistic concepts and community surveys. Respondents to the questionnaire, including individuals from ethnic and national minority groups, as well as those who shared personal experiences of social disadvantage due to birth gender or economic circumstances, provided crucial insights. Their input shaped the story’s characters and challenges, ensuring the narrative resonated with diverse perspectives.
The polluted river symbolised the broader harm caused by unsustainable practices, while the collaboration between the rat and the dove demonstrated the potential of shared responsibility to overcome these issues. Dynamic soundscapes and immersive storytelling techniques helped to make these ecological and social themes accessible and emotionally impactful.
Use of sustainable material
The materials used, such as blankets and cushions for seating, were either reused or repurposed, while decorative elements like banners were crafted from recycled fabrics. Costumes for the three ambassadors—representing the city rat, the dove, and other key characters—were created using second-hand clothing and sustainable practices.
The technical aspects of the installation were also designed with sustainability in mind. Eight portable JBL speakers, borrowed from the Consol Theater, provided high-quality sound while minimising resource consumption. The use of rechargeable batteries for the speakers further reduced the environmental impact. The portable setup allowed for low-impact transportation and a simple yet effective configuration.
These choices reflected the themes identified in the young ambassadors’ artistic concepts, which emphasised the need for ecological justice and sustainable practices. The performance demonstrated that art could not only address ecological issues but also model solutions in its creation and execution.
