Rising: a radio play about grief and climate change

Presented by Pier One Theatre and KBBI AM 890

Written by Brenda Dolma • Starring Katia Holmes • Sound Design by Kathleen Gustafson

SPONSORED BY TRUE NORTH KAYAK ADVENTURES

This one woman play by local playwright Brenda Dolma joins Eryn, a climate change scientist and recent widow, as she wakes one morning to find that her house, supposedly situated in a water-safe zone, has flooded.

As she stands on the stairs, bits of paper from her life float by invoking memories. Examining each item, she moves through stages of grief which encompass both her personal loss and fear for the fate of the rapidly changing world.

Brenda Dolma

Brenda is a human ecologist who cares deeply for our planet. Most recently, she participated in the 2020 Drama Slam, and as a playwright for the Pier One Theatre/Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Coastal Cosmic Telethon. Brenda loves our Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea where she has worn many hats.

Brenda was prompted to write Rising when her widow mother for the third time experienced flooding on the whole first level of her home. She was feeling very frustrated in 2016 that there were still people who did not believe climate change was real. 

We in Homer have watched the glaciers recede, populations of birds, plants and animals be devastated, we have experienced spruce bark beetles only to have the aphids eat the new trees we just planted; only to be wiped out by forest fires.   Many of us that live in Alaska understand climate change is very real. 

Brenda wondered what it would be like if a young scientist was personally impacted? Every small thing each individual does makes a difference.  There are over seven billion of us sharing this one very precious planet. When each of us takes action no matter how small, it matters. 

Thank you for taking the time share Eryn’s experience. What action will you take today?

Katia Holmes

Katia Holmes grew up in Homer, and has recently transferred from CU Boulder to the University of Alaska, Anchorage where she is studying for a BFA in acting and dance.

Katia has performed in numerous Pier One productions, including last season's Little Women, and Much Ado About Nothing, and a recent radio production on KBBI of The Importance of Being Earnest.

She first performed Rising in a staged reading at the Boathouse last summer. She is beyond excited to continue performing it through a new medium.

Kathleen Gustafson

Kathleen Gustafson has been a part of the Pier One family since 2000.

She is a Pier One actor, director, youth theater staff member and resident sound editor.