Contemporary ecological concerns bring with them an opportunity for innovation; to
rethink traditional practices and forge new approaches that not only strive for
sustainability, but also push intellectual and creative boundaries. Despite this, current
notions of sustainability are still dominated by suppositions of creative limitations; the
perception that sustainability and theatre do not mix is a common assumption. This
paper explores the possibilities of sustainable production practices within the
parameters of conventional theatre. Using a practice-led research project, Helicopter
(Melbourne Theatre Company, 2012), the investigation examines the designer’s
journey of integrating creative processes with eco-efficiency, aesthetics,
organisational considerations and director’s expectations. In this context, the
designer considers how sustainable strategies might drive the creative process and
aesthetics, given altered constraints, requirements and opportunities. While there are
challenges and barriers to implementing sustainable approaches in conventional
theatre productions, the paper reveals how thinking about environmental
considerations creates exciting new avenues for exploration—including new ways of
thinking about how scenographies are designed, constructed and distributed for a
sustainable paradigm
