The Trials

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©Beau Meyer/Children's Theater of Madison

Cast members of "The Trials."

Cast members of "The Trials," Children's Theater of Madison, 2025.

Children’s Theater of Madison presents The Trials, a 2022 play by Dawn King in which the older generations are judged by the younger for failing to prevent devastating climate change. CTM’s production will be set in Madison, which should help bring the themes of responsibility and justice closer to home. Performances at 7 p.m. Friday, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 2-11.

media release: Children’s Theater of Madison (CTM) is proud to present The Trials, an urgent and thought-provoking play by acclaimed playwright Dawn King. 

In The Trials, a jury of young people determines the fate of adults accused of contributing to the climate emergency – the younger generation holding parents and others accountable for environmental destruction. CTM’s version will be set in Madison, with the permission of the author, and will challenge audiences to reflect on the climate crisis through the lens of a dystopian future.

Tense, emotionally charged, and eerily prescient, the play explores themes of justice, responsibility, and intergenerational conflict in a world struggling to survive. Yet, it’s not without humor, used deftly to engage the audience in a very real and connective dialog.  

This production aligns with CTM’s mission to engage young people in thought-provoking, socially relevant storytelling. The cast features a dynamic ensemble of 12 youth actors, whose performances bring authenticity and urgency to the play’s moral dilemmas. The show is directed by Marcella Kearns, Artistic Associate of Forward Theater Company.

“This production showcases the incredible talent of our young performers and sparks vital conversations about the world they are inheriting and the role of theater in inspiring change.” - Brian Cowing, CTM Artistic Director

The Trials has been lauded for its stark portrayal of environmental and ethical issues, making it a compelling choice for young adult audiences. The show involves strong language and mild physical intimacy – recommended for ages 13+.

Originally staged in the UK to critical acclaim, the play now arrives in Madison at a time when climate activism is at the forefront of global conversations. This gripping production will run from May 2-11 at the Starlight Theater at MYArts, tickets at CTMTHEATER.ORG

Also: On May 10:  From Anxiety to Action: Generational Conversations on Climate Change, an inter-generational panel to discuss the themes and challenges of how different generations discuss climate change follows the matinee showing of The Trials with Children's Theater of Madison. Hosted by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, Children's Theater of Madison, and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, this event will bring together voices from three generations to explore how different age groups are reacting to the climate crisis, and to reflect on the main themes of the play.

About Children’s Theater of Madison

Serving the Madison community since 1965, CTM's mission is to spark imagination and build community through the creation and experience of theater.

Inclusion is at the core of CTM's policies, programs and people, working to create an

environment where all feel welcome, valued and connected. The CTM community celebrates visible and invisible differences in identity, gender expression, age, culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, physical ability, learning style, religion, occupation, nationality, immigration status, socio-economic status and life experiences that span these differences.

CTM has been a resident organization of Overture Center since it opened in 2004 and also now makes its home in the beautiful, new Madison Youth Arts Center (MYArts) at 1055 E. Mifflin St. on Madison’s near east side.