The Earth Law Center (ELC) is set to debut a theatrical reading of "The Animals' Lawsuit Against Humanity" on September 23rd during Climate Week in New York City. This adaptation by Rabbi Anson Laytner and Rabbi Dan Bridge brings an ancient tale into the modern spotlight, emphasizing the ongoing global movement to provide animals with legal representation.
Rooted in a 10th-century story first written by Muslim scholars of a Sufi order in Iraq, "The Animals' Lawsuit Against Humanity" explores themes that are strikingly relevant to today's ecological crisis. In the play, humans colonize an island inhabited by animals and start exploiting them. The animals, in turn, appeal to the King of the Jinn, leading to a trial where they lament their suffering and argue for their rights against humans who see them as mere resources.
Rabbi Laytner, speaking at the event, celebrates the play's interfaith approach to environmentalism, noting that it underscores teachings from Abrahamic faiths about caring for living beings. "The message of this tale is shockingly contemporary," Laytner states, highlighting the enduring relevance of these ancient teachings in today's world.
Grant Wilson, Executive Director of ELC, describes the play as a reflection of modern efforts to recognize and defend the rights of ecosystems and species. "The play mirrors the efforts of advocates across the world to recognize and defend the rights of ecosystems and species based on the reality that all life has a right to exist," Wilson notes. He draws parallels between the arguments made by the animals in the play and those presented by 'Earth lawyers' in courts today.
ELC, a pioneering nonprofit in the field of environmental law, has been instrumental in global and domestic initiatives aimed at advancing the Rights of Nature. Alongside The Leatherback Project, ELC successfully advocated for a national law in Panama to protect sea turtles, passed in 2023. Domestically, ELC has campaigned for Indigenous guardianship over the rights of Southern Resident Orcas in the Salish Sea.
The theatrical reading of "The Animals' Lawsuit Against Humanity" will be produced by Liv Boren and Chris Dooly of Jack & Grace Productions. Following the performance, a panel of environmental leaders will discuss the play's relevance to current legal movements and challenges.
To learn more about the event, click here.
