Ocean Filibuster, American Repertory Theater, Loeb Drama Center, through March 13. 617-547-8300 or amrep.org

"Ocean Filibuster" wants to be timely and trenchant about human complicity in climate change. After all, American Repertory Theater has collaborated with no less than the Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE).

Unfortunately, the Lisa D'Amour text continuously goes over well-known facts and insights about its subject—even if Tal Yarden's projection design for the natural upheaval dominating the change is not only extraordinary but state of the art sublime.

Sxip Shirey's music and the Shirey/D'Amour lyrics lack real melodic fire and never compensate for the ongoing absurdities of the confrontation between Mr. Majority and the Ocean. Still, Jennifer Kidwell, under Katie Pearl's earnest direction, deserves high praise for portraying both the pompous and callous politician and the goddess-like queen of the waters.

Strong visuals and Kidwell's remarkable work notwithstanding, "Ocean Filibuster" always suffers from a patronizing tone and maddeningly obvious points. Early on Mr. Majority coldly speaks of shrinking the oceans and sacrificing 'less important' countries like Haiti.

There is no warmth in his bluster, his rules for the title filibuster and his approach to the fate of the world in what is essentially a ludicrous and totally unconvincing allegory.

Someday someone must create a real and personal show about climate change that includes the talents of Yarden and Kidwell. Regrettably, the collaboration at the Loeb Drama Center could easily be renamed "Ocean Filibluster."