FREE Climate Futures Workshop and Public Reading of New Play 2191 at the University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo community and members of the Western New York Community are warmly invited to attend a free, public event exploring climate futures, artificial intelligence, and storytelling through both hands-on engagement and a live performance reading.

On September 18, 2026, participants are invited to join a Scenario Planning for Climate Futures Workshop followed by a public reading of 2191, a powerful new play by playwright Dr. Bella Poynton.

This event welcomes members of the UB Department of Theatre and Dance, Department of Environment and Sustainability, Department of AI and Society, the UB Regional Institute, the Humanities Institute, the wider Western New York theatre community, and anyone interested in climate resilience, sustainability, emerging technologies, and imagining possible futures.

Scenario Planning for Climate Futures Workshop - 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Led by Andrea Harder, PhD Candidate in the Department of Environment and Sustainability, this interactive workshop introduces participants to Exploratory Scenario Planning (XSP), a collaborative method used to help communities prepare for the uncertain impacts of climate change.

Participants will work in small groups to develop plausible future scenarios for the Buffalo region and explore strategies that can strengthen community resilience. The workshop is designed to be accessible to participants from a wide range of backgrounds, and no prior experience is required.

Complimentary Pizza Supper - 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM

All attendees are invited to enjoy a free pizza supper between programs.

Public Reading of 2191 - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Presented by playwright Dr. Bella Poynton and director Dr. Eero Laine, alongside members of the cast, this staged reading offers audiences an early look at a new work that will receive its debut production as part of the University at Buffalo Department of Theatre and Dance season, April 1-4, 2027.

About 2191

Set in a climate-altered future, 2191 follows Fleur, a lone traveler searching for her missing brother while guided by three interconnected AI systems. As anti-AI sentiment escalates and survival becomes increasingly precarious, Fleur journeys toward the last viable freshwater sources along the Great Lakes. Along the way, she confronts a troubling reality: the same technologies keeping her alive may have helped bring about the collapse of the world she inhabits.

Content Advisory

2191 contains depictions of violence, murder, and societal collapse. The play also includes strong language and themes related to mental health distress, loss, and survival.

Presenters

• Andrea Harder
  PhD Candidate, Department of Environment and Sustainability, University at Buffalo
  Facilitator, Scenario Planning for Climate Futures Workshop
• Dr. Bella Poynton

Assistant Professor, Department of Theatre, SUNY Oswego
Playwright, 2191

• Dr. Eero Laine

Associate Professor, Department of Theatre and Dance, University at Buffalo
Director, 2191

Sponsoring Organizations

• SUNY Academic Innovation Grant: Climate Preparedness through the Performing Arts in the Age of AI
• Great Lakes Climate Theatre Initiative
• UB Department of Theatre and Dance
• UB Climate Futures Humanities Institute Working Group