A Future Warning Comes to Life at Oman Sustainability Week

Observer

19-05-2025

During Oman Sustainability Week, a powerful scene unfolded at the OQ8 pavilion that captured everyone's attention. It all began when a man stepped out from behind a curtain, dressed in black, with an oxygen mask over his face—appearing as a figure from a bleak future. His appearance, affected by what seemed to be environmental damage, signalled that he was more than just a visitor; he was a messenger from tomorrow.
A small crowd gathered towards a makeshift stage, eager to see what was about to happen. Children leaned forward with curiosity, elders sat silently, and visitors paused their conversations, drawn by the seriousness of the moment. What followed was a short but impactful play titled 'Ahmed... A Message from Tomorrow.'
In this performance, Ahmed arrives from the year 2097, using a fictional time machine created by scientists desperate to warn humanity. But his message isn't about flying cars or high-tech robots; it's about what we stand to lose—our curiosity, compassion, and the environment we depend on.
With a trembling voice, Ahmed described a future where the air is unbreathable, skies are filled with toxic clouds, and green plants are replaced by faded images in old books. Children, he says, have never felt grass under their feet. Humanity now lives inside domes, with existence reduced to simple survival—an existence disconnected from nature and human warmth.
He quietly asks the audience, 'When was the last time you asked a real question?' The silence that followed felt heavier than any words spoken. It was a moment of reflection.
The story, brought to life by local actor Yazeed Al Balushi, turned a dystopian future into a mirror of today's reality. Through raw emotion and thoughtful interactions, Yazeed became more than just an actor—he became a messenger. Each pause after his questions left a lasting impression. How did the audience react? Did they feel the urgency?
Ahmed confesses, 'I couldn't stay in the future and watch it fall apart. So I came back—not to scare you, but to wake you up.'
This short performance is designed to resonate with children, youth, and visitors from all backgrounds. Using minimal set design and subtle visual effects, the focus is firmly on the message: The future depends on what we do today. Our actions now will determine the world our children will inherit.
Yazeed Al Balushi explained that the goal was to evoke emotion and inspire thought: 'We wanted something that would make people feel and reflect. That's exactly what happened.'
Why Oman Sustainability Week Matters Globally
This performance took place during Oman Sustainability Week, a vital event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental challenges and encouraging sustainable practices. Such initiatives are crucial—not just within Oman, but across the world. Climate change, pollution, and resource depletion are universal issues that threaten future generations everywhere.
Oman, like many nations, faces specific environmental challenges—from water scarcity to preserving its rich biodiversity. However, the importance of global cooperation cannot be overstated. Events like this week serve as a reminder that sustainability is a shared responsibility requiring collective action. It's about uniting diverse communities, governments, and organisations to commit to lasting change.
In the context of the world, climate crises and environmental degradation are accelerating at an alarming rate. Countries need to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and implement innovative solutions. Oman's focus on sustainability and environmental education is part of this vital global effort. Each community's effort, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement to protect the planet.
This celebration also underscores the need to educate future generations. The play's emphasis on questions and awareness encourages young minds to think critically about their environment, understanding that their choices today influence a world they will someday inherit.
A Global Call to Action
As the play drew to a close and Ahmed's question echoed in the audience's minds—Will we act now before it's too late?—it became apparent this was more than a theatrical performance. It was a clarion call. The urgency is clear: climate action cannot be delayed.
The message from the future was simple yet profound. If humanity continues on its current path, the world depicted in Ahmed's vision could become a reality. But there is still hope. By changing behaviours, adopting sustainable practices, and fostering environmental awareness, we can steer towards a healthier, more resilient planet.
Yazeed Al Balushi expressed his hope that the performance would inspire action: 'It's about making people take responsibility. We wanted to stir people's emotions—make them reflect, think, and hopefully, act. That's what this is all about.'
As the audience dispersed, the lingering questions and powerful visuals served as a stark reminder: Our future is in our hands. The choices we make today—whether to prioritize sustainability, reduce waste, or simply ask how we can contribute—will shape the world of tomorrow.