In a recent interview, actress and activist Jane Fonda discussed her new musical, “Dear Everything,” describing it as an “earth opera” aimed at promoting environmental awareness among younger audiences. Fonda, known for her long-standing activism, gained notoriety during the Vietnam War, where she faced significant backlash for her actions.
She elaborated on the musical, set to be performed on Earth Day, which tells the story of a small American town grappling with the sale of its local forest to a lumber company. A young woman in the play takes the initiative to rally her peers to oppose this sale. “We’ve been touring the country, and everywhere we go, there’s been an ‘Earth Choir’ forming. It becomes a local youth choir and the proceeds benefit youth groups tackling climate change. On Wednesday, we’ll award five cash prizes to deserving organizations,” she stated.
Reflecting on her roots as an environmental activist, Fonda recounted her childhood in the wilds of Los Angeles, where she felt a connection with the local wildlife. “The birds, bobcats, mountain lions, and coyotes were my friends,” she said. She expressed concern over environmental degradation fueled by fossil fuel consumption, advocating for a responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.
Fonda highlighted the importance of community in the fight for the environment, stressing that collective action is vital. “You can’t accomplish much alone. Effectiveness comes from working together,” she emphasized, noting the power of community in driving change. She encouraged individuals to engage locally, urging them to rally their neighbors against potential environmental threats, such as toxic waste or oil pipelines, to create a more united front in the fight for sustainability.
