Tree Boy

By Michele Riml

Can a 10-year old boy really help save the environment? When self proclaimed super-scientist and Environmental Warrior Avery Adamson uncovers a plot by his father to cut down his favourite tree in favour of a parking pad for his new fossil-fuel guzzling SPV300, Avery declares an environmental emergency and stages a protest to protect the tree and the planet.

Vowing to live in the tree (with No TV and No Video Games!), Avery enlists his best friend Sam to help him. But when a heated debate over soccer and global warming goes sour, Sam leaves, and Avery soon questions if he has the guts of an Enviro-Man or is he merely -- as his sister calls him -- a Tree Boy. After all, staging a one-man protest isn’t that easy and neither is sleeping in a tree. Especially alone, in the dark, with the world’s scariest teenage neighbour just over the fence.

Like all great protesters Avery must face ridicule, indifference and even the dark. But when an unlikely visitor shows up to help, Avery soon discovers that taking a stand for the planet really does start in his own backyard.

Production History

Tree Boy was commissioned and first produced by Green Thumb Theatre in Vancouver, British Columbia. Since its premiere in 2007, the play has been produced across Canada, including a successful tour to elementary schools throughout British Columbia and a featured spot at the Chicago Children’s Festival. The show toured Canada again during the 2008/2009 season, with a notable run at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People.

In 2017, a version of Tree Boy was published by National Geographic. The play has also been staged internationally, with productions in the United States, Germany, and most recently in Athens, Greece, where it continues to tour.