The second act opens in Kyoto where Togo Ikawa as Japan welcomes the delegates with a lyrical speech about the 72 Seasons in Japan and highlighting the Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival which is getting earlier every year.  The challenge here is to get an agreement and all night sittings will see the current president Estrada oversee tight negotiations. 

This act has high drama with some walking out as emissions trading takes place. Saudi Arabia (Raad Rawi) will propose compensation for oil producing states cutting their output.  China (Kwong Loke) recalls how damaged they were by the Opium Wars in the 1840s limiting their subsequent income. 

There are comic scenes: after midnight when the interpreters stop work, each delegate speaks in their own language rather than English! No-one understands anyone else. Ferdy Roberts as John Prescott will upset everybody.  The psychology of diplomacy and negotiation is seen as horse trading with great drama but amazingly Estrada’s determination gets it through. 

This play taught me much I didn’t know but underlines despair at the United States’ new regime and attitude towards climate change.  At times drums will emphasise the tension. Akhila Krishnan’s video illustrations are very helpful.  The actors all work very hard making sure these conferences are not a static experience and Stephen Kunken puts in the performance of a lifetime.  Recommended for those with strong theatrical stomachs!