An innovative artistic project merges ancient storytelling with modern elements to highlight the local consequences of climate change. The Perkins Center for the Arts in Moorestown presents the Rancocas Project Crankie Performance, an outdoor event designed for families. Combining shadow puppetry, live music, visual art, and personal narratives from residents, this free performance invites the community to explore how environmental shifts affect lives. Scheduled for Saturday evening, attendees are encouraged to arrive early to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Interdisciplinary artist Jin Jung masterminded the Rancocas Project, which showcases a crankie performance—a manually operated moving picture show projected on a large screen—accompanied by an original musical score performed live. This unique presentation brings to life intimate stories shared by individuals from Burlington County, reflecting their struggles with inland flooding, often overlooked as a result of climate-related crises. Over the past year, Jung collected accounts from diverse voices within the community, including those who survived floods, self-appointed guardians of natural resources, and families whose connection to nature was tested by calamities.
The essence of this initiative lies in fostering unity among neighbors during challenging times. According to Allison Hunt, director of education at Perkins, it underscores the necessity of coming together, embracing differences, sharing experiences, and collaboratively seeking solutions. Additionally, it emphasizes the value of appreciating and preserving nature. Jung's inspiration stemmed from witnessing her neighbors' hardships during Hurricane Sandy, motivating her to amplify unheard voices through her art form.
Jung highlights that while people may see images of floods, they lack understanding of the emotional turmoil experienced when possessions are lost. Many freeze emotionally and physically when confronted with devastation. To prepare for such possibilities, she advocates bearing witness to others' suffering and engaging in meaningful discussions. Her art serves as a catalyst for initiating these crucial conversations.
This groundbreaking program resulted from a collaboration between the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (NJSCA) and the New Jersey Coastal Management Program. Perkins demonstrated its suitability within the Burlington County Rancocas watershed, leading NJSCA to invite artists like Jung to propose projects. Among 60 submissions, Jung's idea stood out. Funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the New Jersey Coastal Management Program, Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with the NJSCA, this endeavor exemplifies the power of art in addressing pressing societal issues.
Through this captivating performance, audiences gain insight into the profound impact of climate change on communities. By weaving together personal narratives, artistic expressions, and live performances, the Rancocas Project Crankie Performance not only entertains but also educates and inspires action towards environmental conservation and community resilience.