HERO Theatre is set to premiere “Nuestro Planeta: CALIFORNIA,” the latest installment in its “Nuestro Planeta” initiative. This project commissions new works that delve into pressing environmental justice issues impacting American families. This time, the focus shifts to California, with writer and environmentalist Joie Mitchell joining the effort.

“Nuestro Planeta: CALIFORNIA” marks the first U.S.-based narrative within the broader “Nuestro Planeta” series. Other commissions currently underway explore issues in El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. Previous productions include “Nuestro Planeta: COLOMBIA” and “Nuestro planeta: BAHÍA DE KINO,” a collaboration with the kino Bay Center in Mexico, which inspired a subsequent co-production with Inner-City Arts, “The Young Dolphins.”

The play will center on food justice for children and their families, highlighting the significant role of California farming communities, which contribute over 10% of the total agricultural value in the United States. The collaborative process involves Elisa Bocanegra and Joie Mitchell working closely with local farmers to develop an authentic and impactful narrative.

The production’s focus on California’s agricultural landscape is particularly relevant given the state’s ongoing challenges with drought, wildfires, and labor shortages, all of which impact food production and access. Understanding the complexities of food systems and their impact on vulnerable communities is more crucial than ever.

The Urgency of Food Justice: A National Outlook

Food justice,at its core,is about ensuring that all communities have access to affordable,healthy,and culturally appropriate food. In the United states, food insecurity disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of colour. Factors such as systemic racism, economic inequality, and lack of access to resources contribute to these disparities.

According to a 2023 report by the USDA,over 34 million Americans experienced food insecurity. This number underscores the urgent need for initiatives like “Nuestro Planeta: CALIFORNIA” that raise awareness and promote dialog around these critical issues.

Initiatives like urban farming projects in Detroit, MI, and community gardens in Brooklyn, NY showcase grassroots efforts to address food deserts and empower local residents to take control of their food systems. These initiatives provide not only access to fresh produce but also educational opportunities and a sense of community.

The play specifically aims to address the intersection of food justice and environmentalism, a connection that is becoming increasingly apparent.Lasting farming practices, such as crop rotation, reduced pesticide use, and water conservation, are essential for ensuring long-term food security while protecting the environment.

Now more than ever, we need to focus on the intersection between environmentalism and food justice, especially for our young peopel in California. They go hand in hand.

Elisa bocanegra

This is an initiative to educate our children and future generations.

Elisa Bocanegra

HERO Theatre’s Approach: Art as a Catalyst for Change

HERO Theatre’s commitment to using art as a tool for social progress is evident in its “Nuestro Planeta” series. By commissioning plays that explore complex issues, the theatre aims to engage audiences in meaningful conversations and inspire action.

The collaboration between Bocanegra and Mitchell, along with their engagement with local farmers, ensures that “Nuestro planeta: CALIFORNIA” is grounded in real-world experiences and perspectives. This approach enhances the play’s authenticity and its ability to resonate with audiences.

Moreover, HERO Theatre’s residency at Inner-City Arts provides access to a diverse and engaged community, allowing the play to reach those who are most affected by food justice issues. Inner-City Arts offers arts instruction to students from underserved communities, integrated arts workshops for educators, and community programming through the Rosenthal Theater.

The theater’s commitment extends beyond the stage. HERO Theatre actively seeks to uplift communities that have been harmed, fostering a sense of belonging and depiction among its core audience members. This holistic approach positions the theater as a vital force for positive change in the Los Angeles area and beyond.

Consider the documentary *A Place at the Table*,which highlighted the shocking levels of hunger in the United States.Plays such as “Nuestro Planeta: CALIFORNIA” follow in this tradition, using storytelling to shed light on critical social issues and spark meaningful dialogue.

Looking Ahead: Practical Applications and Future Developments

the insights gained from “Nuestro Planeta: CALIFORNIA” have the potential to inform policy decisions, community initiatives, and educational programs. By raising awareness about the importance of food justice and sustainable farming practices, the play can contribute to creating a more equitable and resilient food system.

One potential application is the growth of curriculum materials for schools that incorporate the themes explored in the play.These materials could teach students about the challenges faced by farming communities, the importance of healthy eating, and the role they can play in promoting food justice.

Another possibility is the creation of community gardens and urban farms in underserved neighborhoods. These projects could provide access to fresh produce, create jobs, and foster a sense of community pride. HERO Theatre could partner with local organizations to implement these initiatives, building on the momentum generated by the play.

addressing counterarguments is crucial. some may argue that theater is not an effective way to address complex social problems,but HERO Theatre’s track record demonstrates the power of storytelling to engage audiences and inspire action. Others may question the feasibility of implementing large-scale food justice initiatives, but the success of grassroots efforts across the country proves that change is possible.

As of April 7, 2025, several bills are sitting in committee in the California state Legislature relating to urban agriculture. Advocates hope “Nuestro Planeta: California” brings further awareness to these issues.