South SFV Today

In a recent theatrical production, environmental research took center stage to highlight hidden injustices. "Hidden Strawberries," written and directed by Ali Namayandeh, debuted at the Stanford Live Bing Studio on October 16. The play draws from scientific studies and community interviews to portray the disproportionate impact of wildfires on vulnerable groups such as farmworkers, incorporating themes of migration and identity.

Namayandeh, an NSF Earth Science Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Earth System Science, is interested in using theater as a medium to reach audiences unfamiliar with environmental justice issues. “My goal was to push boundaries to reach a larger group of people who may not know about environmental justice issues. Theater can be a good medium for that,” he stated.

The play depicts how wildfires spread harmful toxins like PM2.5 and hexavalent chromium, which pose significant health risks. To bring personal stories into focus, Namayandeh collaborated with students from Stanford and San José State University and the Center for Farmworker Families. They conducted interviews with nearly 40 farmworkers in central California, revealing that most had worked during wildfires without adequate respiratory protection.

Namayandeh saw an opportunity to merge his passions for theater and environmental justice: “I saw this overlap and thought I could use theater to talk about the people who are impacted by the problems I’m researching.” The project received funding from Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability’s Integrative Initiatives.

The performance included elements of Mexican and Oaxacan culture through traditional dances like ‘La Danza de la Pluma’. Professor Rodolfo Dirzo praised it as an example of integrating art, science, and social issues: “This performance is a great example of the intersection of art, science, and critical social problems of our times.”

Scott Fendorf expressed enthusiasm for blending arts with sciences: “Science allows us to understand processes in the environment; art allows us to see and feel their impact.” Ellen Oh highlighted its interdisciplinary nature: “The Hidden Strawberries project is a true interdisciplinary collaboration that demonstrates how art has the power to shape narratives."

Audience participation was encouraged during performances to foster empathy and critical thinking about societal challenges depicted in the play. Surveys indicated that attendees felt connected to these experiences and motivated towards action or further learning.

With its four sold-out performances at Stanford concluded, Namayandeh aims to extend "Hidden Strawberries" beyond its initial venue: “The idea is that the play will act as a catalyst for a conversation we are hoping to have beyond the show.” His work was partially funded by the National Science Foundation.