Staging an Ecological Doctor Faustus in California in February 2025

Abstract

With its hero's persistent focus on commiting the sins of denial ("hell is a fable") and despair ("it's too late), Doctor Faustus can been seen as a climate allegory. Such was the author's thinking when adapting and directing a staged reading of the play in February 2025. This essay explains the thinking that went into the selection of this play, describes the adaptation and performances, and discusses audience responses and the author's reflections on the production.