THE NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND’S 2016 SEASON – JANUARY TO JULY 2016
TEN DRAMATIC YEARS
Laurie Sansom, artistic director of the National Theatre of Scotland, says: “I am delighted to announce the first half of the National Theatre of Scotland’s tenth birthday year programme which sees the Company travelling widely throughout Scotland, as well as presenting world –class Scottish theatre on stages in London, England, North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating ten years of working with the best Scottish theatre-makers with a programme that reflects a robust and aspiring national theatre, collaborating with artists and theatres across the country to make adventurous and powerful work.
“It is has been a significant ten years for Scotland and the National Theatre of Scotland has been on a similarly remarkable trajectory since our launch in February 2016. We have learned so much along the way. I hope this year will celebrate what the National Theatre of Scotland continues to do best: to collaborate, surprise and embolden, whilst hugely entertaining audiences across Scotland and beyond.”
____________________
JANUARY TO JULY 2016, IN BRIEF
January
National Theatre of Scotland’s Artistic Director Laurie Sansom hosts Meet the Artists, an evening of conversation and performance as audiences have the chance to preview the Company’s upcoming productions and to hear more about the work from many of the theatre-makers involved. Sunday 24 January 2016 at The Lyceum, Edinburgh.
National Theatre of Scotland’s award-winning production Let the Right One In arrives in South Korea for an ambitious new Korean-language restaging, courtesy of Sensee Theatre Company. John Tiffany directs, with associate directors, Vicki Manderson and Jessica Richards. (Seoul, South Korea from 21 January 2016.)
Opening February
The mighty The James Plays return to the stage, as Rona Munro’s ground-breaking historical trilogy embarks on a five month Scottish, UK, and international tour, directed by Laurie Sansom. Three generations of Stewart kings rule Scotland through blood and betrayal, with audiences once again invited to view the plays as a day-long triple bill of performances. Opening at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre before touring to Inverness, Glasgow, Northampton, Salford, Newcastle, Sheffield, Norwich, Canterbury, Plymouth, Nottingham, Adelaide, and Auckland (February to June 2016)
The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, one of the National Theatre of Scotland’s most successful touring shows, hits the road again. David Greig and Wils Wilson’s seminal folk theatre fable heads back to the USA (10 February to 8 May 2016) before returning to Scottish town halls and barns (17 May to 11 June 2016).
Acclaimed theatre-makers Told by an Idiot present I Am Thomas -a brutal new comedy with songs, co-produced with National Theatre of Scotland and The Lyceum, Edinburgh in association with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse. Opening at Liverpool Playhouse before touring to Salford, Salisbury, Edinburgh, and Inverness. (18 February to 16 April 2016) A world premiere.
Opening March and April
Aberdeen’s famous Marischal College will provide a fittingly majestic backdrop to the epic theatrical finale of Granite, an eight-month participatory arts project celebrating the history and character of the Silver City and its people. The National Theatre of Scotland has collaborated with some of the City’s leading cultural groups to collect stories that will be woven into the final performances (31 March to 2 April) . A world premiere.
This Restless House, a new trilogy of plays by acclaimed writer Zinnie Harris, inspired by Aeschylus’ Greek tragedy The Oresteia, presented in a co-production with the Citizens Theatre. Dominic Hill directs the bloody saga of a family torn apart by a succession of murders and betrayals. At the Citizens Theatre (15 April to 15 May 2016). Three world premieres.
Opening May and June
The 306: Dawn, the first part in a brand-new cycle of three music pieces commemorating the First World War, written by Oliver Emanuel with music composed by Gareth Williams, co-produced with Perth Theatre and 14-18 NOW, in association with Red Note Ensemble. Laurie Sansom directs the first part of this trilogy exploring the stories of the 306 men shot for cowardice and desertion during the First World War. Dawn is set around the Battle of the Somme in July 1916, and will be ambitiously staged in the Perthshire countryside (24 May to 11 June 2016), with parts two and three to follow in 2017 and 2018 respectively. A world premiere.
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour burst back onto the stage following their award-winning debut in 2015. Based on Alan Warner’s hit novel The Sopranos and directed by Vicky Featherstone, Lee Hall’s raucous and life-affirming piece of music theatre about six girls on the cusp of change was an unparalleled hit with audiences and critics alike, and returns for performances in Scotland, the UK, Ireland and USA including a return for the National Theatre of Scotland to the National Theatre of Great Britain. A co-production with Live Theatre. (May to September 2016).
July
Now in its eighth year, the National Theatre of Scotland’s vibrant Exchange programme brings together groups of young theatre-makers (aged 16 to 25 years-old) from Scotland and across the world, to facilitate a national and international exchange of new theatre works. Exchange 2016 features eight groups of theatre-makers from Scotland, the USA, and New Zealand, who will present their pieces at Stirling’s Macrobert Arts Centre ( 5 to 9 July 2016).
_____________________
A NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND FREE EVENT
The National Theatre of Scotland presents
Meet the Artists… in conversation with Laurie Sansom
The Lyceum, Edinburgh on 24 January at 4pm
The National Theatre of Scotland’s artistic director, Laurie Sansom, hosts an evening of conversation and theatrical extracts, as he previews the company’s upcoming productions and discusses the work with many of the theatre-makers involved.
Meet the Artists… offers the rare opportunity to hear more about the 2016 season directly from the writers, directors, designers and actors involved with the productions. This event will launch the company’s tenth birthday year.
There will be the chance to see exclusive excerpts from forthcoming National Theatre of Scotland performances, gain unique insight into how the shows are put together and hear more about the special stories and ideas that inspired them. After the event, audiences are invited to the bar for refreshments, to meet the team behind the shows and to chat a little more about the National Theatre of Scotland’s tenth birthday year.
On sale: This event is free but ticketed; tickets are limited to two per person.
To book please call The Lyceum, Edinburgh Box Office on 0131 248 4848
_______________________
NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND INTERNATIONAL REPERTOIRE
A REPLICA PRODUCTION
Sensee Company Inc presents the National Theatre of Scotland’s production, by arrangement with Marla Rubin Productions Ltd and Bill Kenwright, of
Let the Right One In
A stage adaptation by Jack Thorne based on the Swedish novel and screenplay of the film by John Ajvide Lindqvist, directed by John Tiffany, associate directors, Vicki Manderson and Jessica Richards,
Associate designer – Bret Banakis; lighting designer – Chahine Yavroyan; sound designer – Gareth Fry; associate costume designer – Aileen Sherry; special effects designer - Jeremy Chernick, associate special effects designer – Niamh O’Meara; technical consultant – Martin Woolley.
At Seoul, South Korea from 21 January to 28 February 2016.
Let the Right One In is a stage adaptation of the hit Swedish novel and film, a brutal and tender vampire myth told through the turbulence of a coming-of-age romance. Oskar, a lonely boy from a broken home, is bullied at school and longing for friendship. Eli, the young girl who moves in next door, doesn’t attend school and rarely leaves home. When a series of mysterious killings plagues the neighbourhood, these two young misfits, sensing in each other a kindred spirit, forge a deep connection. But the shocking truth about one of them tests their young friendship and love beyond all imaginable limits.
First presented in Scotland in 2013, the original production was directed by Tony and Olivier Award-winning director, John Tiffany (Black Watch, Once), and was adapted for the stage by Jack Thorne following the international success of the original Swedish movie and the subsequent Hollywood film, based on John Ajvide Lindqvist’s hit novel. The original creative team also included Olivier Award-winning associate director Steven Hoggett (Black Watch, Beautiful Burnout, American Idiot), music by Icelandic composer by Ólafur Arnalds, set design by Tony Award winner, Christine Jones, lighting design by Chahine Yavroyan, sound design by Gareth Fry and special effects design by Jeremy Chernick. The production enjoyed a critically acclaimed run at Dundee Rep Theatre before touring to London’s Royal Court Theatre, and Apollo Theatre, London, as well as St Ann’s Warehouse in New York. In 2014 it won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Best Theatre.
This ambitious new restaging by South Korea’s Sensee Company will be performed entirely in Korean, with an all-new cast taking on the roles. It follows on from a Japanese production of National Theatre of Scotland’s one-man production of Macbeth in 2015, with celebrated actor, Kuranosuke Sasaki, inheriting the role played by Alan Cumming in 2012. Director, John Tiffany, returns, alongside associate directors, Vicki Manderson and Jessica Richards.
Touring to Seoul, South Korea from 21 January to 28 February 2016.
Opening performance in Seoul on Saturday 23 January 2016.
__________________
NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND REPERTOIRE
The National Theatre of Scotland, the Edinburgh International Festival and the National Theatre of Great Britain present
The James Plays
Three plays about James I, II and III of Scotland by Rona Munro, directed by Laurie Sansom
James I: The Key Will Keep The Lock, James II: Day of the Innocents, and James III: The True Mirror
Design by Jon Bausor, lighting design by Philip Gladwell; sound design by Christopher Shutt (James I and II) and Nick Sagar (James III); movement director Neil Bettles; music composed by Paul Leonard Morgan (James I and II) and Will Gregory (James III).
Ensemble cast: Rosemary Boyle, Daniel Cahill, Ali Craig, Malin Crepin, Blythe Duff, Nick Elliot, Peter Forbes, Andrew Fraser, Dani Heron, Brian James Sian Mannifield, David Mara Steven Miller, Callum Morrison, Matthew Pidgeon, Sally Reid, Andrew Rothney, John Stahl, Andrew Still and Fiona Wood
The three kings are played by Steven Miller (James I), Andrew Rothney (James II) and Matthew Pidgeon (James III).
Touring to Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, Northampton, Salford, Newcastle, Sheffield, Norwich, Canterbury, Plymouth, Nottingham, Adelaide, and Auckland from 3 February to 12 June 2016.
Following critical acclaim and box office success in 2014, The James Plays by Rona Munro, and directed by Laurie Sansom undertake a major UK and international tour in 2016, visiting 11 venues across England and Scotland, as well as performing at international festivals in Australia and New Zealand.
The 2014 productions originally co-produced with the Edinburgh International Festival and the National Theatre of Great Britain, opened at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh during the Edinburgh International Festival on 10 August, and then subsequently played at the Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, London, selling out both runs and playing to over 88,000 people. The plays went on to win the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best New Play and the Writers Guild Award for Best New Play (James I)
Described by The Telegraph as “better than Shakespeare” and ‘Rona Munro’s thrilling trilogy could be the finest history plays ever penned ’ The James Plays, exhilarating and vividly imagined, bring to life three generations of Stewart kings who ruled Scotland from 1406 to 1488.
Each play stands alone as a unique vision of a country tussling with its past and future, with its own distinct theatrical atmosphere. Viewed together they create a complex and compelling narrative on Scottish culture and nationhood.
The James Plays are historical drama for a contemporary audience, served up with a refreshing modern directness.
Audiences are invited to view the performances from the actual stage and share the performer’s perspective of the space. These on-stage seats, built into the set, are at heart of the action, as an ensemble of actors takes the audience through a rarely-explored period of history with playful wit and boisterous theatricality.
Audiences responded enthusiastically to the opportunity of viewing the plays as a complete trilogy, seen over the course of a day. This 2016 production will pioneer a new bespoke touring pattern, with English venues offering audiences the chance to see all three plays together, on a Saturday or Sunday. The Scottish venues performance schedules vary with individual James Plays performances as well as a triple bill of plays on offer.
Touring to Festival Theatre Edinburgh: James I – Wed 3 and 10 February 2016; James II – Thurs 4 and 11 February 2016, James III – Friday 5 and 12 February 2016; Trilogy Day: Saturday 13 February 2016
Adelaide Festival Centre (Friday 26 February – Tuesday 1 March 2016); ASB Theatre, Auckland Arts Festival (5 to 12 March 2016); Eden Court Theatre, Inverness: (James I – Wed 30 March 2016; James II: Thu 31 March 2016 and James III: Fri 1 April; Trilogy Day: Sat 2 April 2016); King’s Theatre, Glasgow (James I – Fri 8 April 2016 Trilogy Days: Sat 9 and Sun 10 April 2016); Royal & Derngate (Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 April 2016); The Lowry, Salford Quays (Saturday 23 and Sun 24 April 2016); Newcastle Theatre Royal (30 April and Sun 1 May 2016); Sheffield Theatres (Saturday 7 and Sun 8 May 2016); Norwich Theatre Royal (Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May 2016); Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (Saturday 21 and Sun 22 May 2016); Theatre Royal Plymouth (Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May 2016); Nottingham Theatre Royal (Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 June 2016)
Join the conversation: #JamesPlays
On sale: all booking information available at nationaltheatrescotland.com
____________________
NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND REPERTOIRE
The National Theatre of Scotland presents
The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart
Supported by Benromach Single Malt Whisky
Created by David Greig (writer) and Wils Wilson (director) with designer, Georgia McGuinness, composer, Alasdair Macrae, and movement by Janice Parker.
The full cast is Annie Grace, Jessica Hardwick, Alasdair Macrae, David McKay and Paul McCole
David Greig and Wils Wilson’s folk theatre fable has proved hugely popular with audiences from Govan to Rio. The production has been part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s touring repertoire since 2011 and has travelled extensively across the UK and internationally, spanning four continents, nine countries and 50 different venues.
In 2016, the production will initially tour the USA from 9 February to 7 May, taking over theatre stages and non-traditional theatre spaces in Virginia, Richmond, Illinois, Vermont, Winchester and Arkansas. The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart will then return home, touring to Fife, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, South Lanarkshire, Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders from 17 May to 11 June 2016.
The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart premiered in the Victorian Bar at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow in 2011, before achieving phenomenal success and critical acclaim at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In keeping with the site-specific origins of the show, the production has been staged in a tavern, breweries and village halls and studios with bars built in. In 2016, the production will tour town halls and to a barn in central Scotland as well as to a host of playing spaces in the US.
Annie Grace, Alasdair Macrae, David McKay, Paul McCole from the 2014 tour are all returning to join the ensemble cast and will be joined by acclaimed young Scottish theatre actress, Jessica Hardwick, most recently seen in Lanark (Citizens Theatre and Edinburgh International Festival).
“my heart is lost to Prudencia Hart. ” ***** The Guardian (Adelaide)
“it should tour for eternity” **** The Guardian (London)
One wintry morning, Prudencia Hart, an uptight academic, sets off to attend a conference in Kelso in the Scottish Borders. As the snow begins to fall, little does she know who or what awaits her there. Inspired by the Border Ballads – and delivered in a riotous romp of rhyming couplets, devilish encounters and wild karaoke – Prudencia’s dream-like journey of self-discovery unfolds among and around the audience.
The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart takes theatre into pubs and other unlikely venues, where stories are told, re-told, sung and passed on. Audiences are invited to share a lock-in with the National Theatre of Scotland’s company of actors and musicians and to indulge in an evening of supernatural storytelling, music and theatre inspired by the Border Ballads, Robert Burns and the poems of Robert Service.
Benromach Single Malt Whisky is delighted to announce that it is continuing its ongoing partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland in sponsoring The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart.
The sponsorship is part of Benromach’s venture into the arts and will enable each audience member (18 years and above) to share a dram of Benromach whisky during the show, in licensed venues.
Join the conversation: #PrudenciaHart
Touring USA – Shenandoah University at Brewbakers Restaurant, Winchester (10 to 14 February 2016); Modlin Center at the Rare Olde Times Pub, Canterbury Shopping Center, Richmond (17 to 21 Feb 2016); Krannert Centre, University of Illinois (24 to 27 February 2016); Factory Luxe, Seattle Theatre Group (2 to 20 March 2016); Flynnspace, Flynn Center, Burlington, Vermont (8 to 10 April 2016); Virginia G. Piper Theatre, Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts, Arizona (19 to 24 April 2016); The Parlor on Granby Virginia Arts Festival (28 April to 1 May 2016); Starr Theater at Walton Arts Center, Fayettesville, Northwest Arkansas (4 to 8 May 2016).
Touring Scotland – Blairgowrie Town Hall (17 May 2016); Montrose Town Hall (18 May 2016); St Andrews Town Hall (19 May 2016); Strathearn Artspace, Crieff (20 May 2016); Alyth Town Hall (21 May 2016); Aberfeldy Town Hall (23 May 2016); Kirriemuir Town Hall (24 May 2016); Carnoustie Beach Hall (25 May 2016); Castle Green Centre, Broughty Ferry (26 May 2016); Bonar Hall, Dundee (27 May); The Byre at Inchyra (31 May 2016); Woodend Barn, Banchory (1 June 2016); Biggar Municipal Hall (3 June 2016); McMillan Hall, Newton Stuart (7 June 2016); Sanquhar Town Hall ( 8 June 2016); Carlops Village Centre (10 June 2016); Stichill Village Hall (11 June 2016).
Opening Performance: Blairgowrie Town Hall on 17 May 2016
On sale: Book online via nationaltheatrescotland.com. Please note, online ticket sales will carry a booking fee. Tickets will also be available to purchase locally at a later date; see website for details
__________________
WORLD PREMIERE
Told by an Idiot, National Theatre of Scotland and The Lyceum, Edinburgh in association with Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse present
I Am Thomas – a brutal comedy with songs
Written by Told by an Idiot, music by Iain Johnstone, lyrics by Simon Armitage, directed by Paul Hunter, designed by Laura Hopkins, sound by Adrienne Quartly and lighting by Paul Anderson.
Touring to Liverpool, Salford, Salisbury, Edinburgh and Inverness from 18 February to 16 April 2016
Using Told by an Idiot’s trademark anarchic physicality and inventive storytelling, I Am Thomas glimpses into Edinburgh’s dark past to bring out the black humour in the true story of Thomas Aikenhead, a Scottish student who was the last person in Britain to be executed for blasphemy. With original lyrics by award-winning poet, Simon Armitage, the show is first-time collaboration between The Lyceum, Edinburgh, the National Theatre of Scotland and Told by an Idiot.
Resonating across time and cultures, this riotous and unsettling comic drama shifts between 1696 and present times to explore notions of freedom of speech. With a live score performed by a cast of eight, the show weaves together eclectic references from the Last Passion of Christ to Archie Gemmell’s goal for Scotland, against Holland, at the 1974 World Cup. I Am Thomas – a brutal comedy with songs is inspired by fact, fantasy and an original short story by James Robertson.
Told by an Idiot’s recent production of My Perfect Mind returned for a second UK tour in autumn 2014 prior to transferring to 59E59 Theater, New York in June 2015, as part of 59E59’s Brits Off Broadway season. In May and June 2015, The Ghost Train by Arnold Ridley and directed by Paul Hunter, was presented at, and in collaboration with, the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. Get Happy, the company’s first show for children returns for a second run at the Barbican in December 2015.
Simon Armitage is one of UK’s foremost poets, playwrights and novelists. His production of The Odyssey: Missing, Presumed Dead opened at the Everyman Theatre, Liverpool in October 2015.
Paul Hunter, co-artistic director of Told by an Idiot and director of I am Thomas, says:
“Told by an Idiot is thrilled to partner with the National Theatre of Scotland and The Lyceum, Edinburgh for the first time, to bring this extraordinary episode of hidden history to life. This is a highly pertinent piece, examining the notion of freedom of speech in a surprising, provocative and unsettling manner. We are delighted to collaborate with Simon Armitage alongside Associate Idiot Iain Johnstone to create a vibrant theatrical musical form to tell the universal story of Thomas Aikenhead.”
Cast: to be announced
Join the conversation: #iamthomas
Touring to Liverpool Playhouse (18 to 27 February 2016); The Lowry, Salford (1 to 5 March 2016); Salisbury Playhouse (8 to 12 March 2016); The Lyceum, Edinburgh (23 March to 09 April 2016); One Touch, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness (12 to 16 April 2016).
Opening performances on 23 February 2016 at Liverpool Playhouse and The Lyceum, Edinburgh on 24 March 2016
_________________
WORLD PREMIERE
The National Theatre of Scotland and Aberdeen City Council present
Granite
The theatrical finale to a major participatory arts project, co-created with the people of Aberdeen and performed in the courtyard of the world’s largest grey granite building
Performances at Marischal College, Aberdeen: 31 March to Saturday 2 Apr 2016
Directed by Simon Sharkey; dramaturg – Peter Arnott; costume and set design – Becky Minto; lighting design – Colin Grenfell; sound design – Philip Pinsky; video design – Graeme Roger; associate director – Phil McCormack; movement director – Brigid McCarthy
Headline sponsor: Deloitte
Supported by Aberdeen Inspired, Arts & Business Scotland, Balmoral Group, Mackie’s of Scotland and Creative Scotland
Produced in association with Aberdeen Performing Arts, ACT Aberdeen, Citymoves Dance Agency, Sound Festival, Station House Media Unit and University of Aberdeen Music
The majestic quadrangle of Aberdeen’s famous Marischal College will provide a fitting backdrop to the epic theatrical finale of Granite, an eight month participatory arts project celebrating the history and people of Aberdeen. Presented with Aberdeen City Council, Granite has seen the National Theatre of Scotland collaborate with some of the city’s leading artists and cultural groups, using the theatre arts to explore stories of people and events both famous and unknown, and the influence of the city – and its famous stone – around the world.
The stories collected along the way will be woven into the narrative of the final production, to be performed by a cast of professional and community actors, musicians and dancers on a huge outdoor set at Marischal College.
Tickets for the three performances on Thursday 31 March, Friday 1 and Saturday 2 April are on sale Friday 29 January 2016.
The project was originally inspired by the true story of a native Aberdonian granite cutter who, in the late 19th century, travelled with his wife to Odessa, in Ukraine.
At this time, granite was being exported for building purposes on an unprecedented scale and skilled granite cutters from Aberdeen were in high demand. They followed the stone across the globe, literally changing the face of the planet wherever they went. This particular cutter took with him his fiddle and his book of Burns poetry and started to host regular ceilidhs in Odessa.
He was swiftly expelled by the Tsarist regime on suspicion of sedition. The man and his wife, now with a young baby, then started an epic journey back across Europe to Aberdeen, on foot and by ship, with the man playing his fiddle and cutting stone along the way in exchange for food and lodgings. This tale of tenacity and poetry, of grit and glint, reflects the qualities of the Aberdonian character, and the qualities of granite itself – tough, resilient, but with an underlying sparkle.
Granite creative teams and participants have excavated many fascinating stories and have been engaging the people of present-day Aberdeen, to find out what they think it “means to be Aberdeen”.
These responses have led to the creation of four ‘trailblazer’ events – Granite Sound, Granite Theatre, Granite Video and Granite Dance. These free, pop-up city centre events take place across November and December 2015 and will use different artforms to present stories and ideas on the themes of Granite. Further discussion, including video, photography and audio content, will be presented on a dedicated website, graniteaberdeen.com.
Acclaimed playwright and Granite dramaturg Peter Arnott has been leading a group of local writers in the research and development of Aberdeen stories that may form part of the final production. A special one-off event on Tuesday 23 February 2016 will offer audience members a preview of some of these stories, brought to life by professional actors, and a taste of some of the music from Granite.
Granite director, Simon Sharkey, says: “Having grown to know and love this city since we launched National Theatre of Scotland there ten years ago, I am thrilled to have the privilege of bringing together the artists and people of Aberdeen to tell their story in a spectacle that will be housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in the UK. I can’t wait.”
Cast to be confirmed.
On sale: Tickets for Granite on sale from Friday 29 January 2016 at graniteaberdeen.com.
Ticket information for the Granite Writers’ Event on Tuesday 23 February 2016 to follow.
Join the conversation: #GraniteAberdeen
_____________________
WORLD PREMIERES
The Citizens Theatre and the National Theatre of Scotland present
This Restless House
A trilogy of new plays based on Aeschylus’ The Oresteia, written by Zinnie Harris, directed by Dominic Hill, designed by Colin Richmond and music composed by Nikola Kodjabashia
At the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow from 15 April to 14 May 2016
Harris’ plays tell the bloody saga of a family torn apart by a succession of murders and betrayals, set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of a revolution and learning to operate within a nascent and flawed justice system. First performed in 485 BC, today’s audience will find that Dominic Hill’s raw and brutal productions bring the universal themes of justice, revenge, loyalty and the evolving relationships between teenagers and their parents to the fore in his trademark theatrical style. Nikola Kodjabashia, composer on the Citizens’ A Christmas Carol, Hamlet and Crime and Punishment returns to create new music for the plays, with Colin Richmond, designer on the Citizens Theatre’s Crime and Punishment and Doctor Faustus and the National Theatre of Scotland’s Men Should Weep, returning to the Citizens.
This Restless House: Part 1 Agamemnon’s Return, Part 2 The Bough Breaks and Part 3 Electra and her Shadow form a trilogy of original new plays based on Aeschylus’ The Oresteia. Together they tell a story originating from the root of modern theatre in ancient Greece with a thrilling and contemporary bite.
Audiences will be offered the opportunity to see all three plays in the trilogy over the course of two evenings: Part 1 on the first evening, Parts 2 and 3 form a double bill on a subsequent evening, or on special trilogy days.
Zinnie Harris is reunited with Dominic Hill following the Citizens’ production of Miss Julie and Fall for the Traverse Theatre. This is the National Theatre’s fifth collaboration with Zinnie Harris. Previous productions include Julie (Scottish tour); The Wheel (Edinburgh Festival Fringe), a new version of A Doll’s House (the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh) and Gallery 9 (Dear Scotland at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery).
Dominic Hill, artistic director of the Citizens Theatre and director of This Restless House, says:
“Our new version of this classic Greek trilogy will be a major theatrical event at the Citizens that I hope audiences will find exhilarating. I am delighted that we will be co-producing with the National Theatre of Scotland to enable us to present a memorable production that people from all walks of life will find exciting and relevant.”
Zinnie Harris, writer of This Restless House, says:
“I am delighted to be working with the National Theatre of Scotland again, and Dominic and his team at the Citizens on this huge project. Being asked to adapt Aeschylus’ extraordinary trilogy of plays has been a gift, and these stories of familial murder, faith and revenge, have the power to enthral audiences as much now as they did over two and half thousand years ago.”
Join the conversation: #restlesshouse
At the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow from 15 April to 14 May 2016
Opening performances on Thursday 28 April 2016 (Agamemnon’s Return); Friday 29 April 2016 (The Bough Breaks); Saturday 30 April 2016 (Agamemnon’s Return, The Bough Breaks and Electra and her Shadow).
____________________
WORLD PREMIERE
The National Theatre of Scotland, 14-18 NOW and Perth Theatre,
In association with Red Note Ensemble, present
The 306: Dawn
Written by Oliver Emanuel and composed by Gareth Williams; directed by Laurie Sansom; costume and set designed by Becky Minto; lighting design by Simon Wilkinson; musical direction by Jonathan Gill.
Dalcrue Farm barn in the Perthshire countryside from 24 May to 11 June 2016
The 306: Dawn is a new piece of music theatre directed by National Theatre of Scotland’s artistic director, Laurie Sansom, written by Oliver Emanuel and composed by Gareth Williams.
Based on real events, it charts the heart-breaking journey of three of the 306 British soldiers who were executed for cowardice, desertion and mutiny during World War I (1914-18). The work is a co-commission with 14-18 NOW, the UK’s First World War centenary cultural programme.
The 306; Dawn is Part I of a trilogy of new plays, with live music, commemorating the First World War, to be presented in 2016, 2017 and 2018. These plays will explore personal stories of the 306, as well as looking at how the war affected women, families and communities on the home front. The first part of the trilogy is set in France, around time of the Battle of the Somme and will mark the 100th anniversary of this Battle.
Joseph Byers (17) from Glasgow. Too young to enlist, Joe, like so many at the time, has lied about his age to join the other men at the Front. However, his dreams of being a solider are quickly destroyed by the brutal realities of trench warfare and he soon finds himself in trouble with the authorities.
Private Harry Farr (25) from London. Traumatised by the things he has seen and lived through as a serving soldier, Harry is suffering from shell-shock and is now unable to fight. He has subsequently been convicted of cowardice and, as he waits to hear his fate, he dreams of his wife and hopes for a last minute reprieve.
Lance-Sergeant Joseph Willie Stones (24) from Durham. Having used his rifle to block the entrance to a trench during fierce fighting, Joseph stands accused of casting away his arms in combat – an offence punishable by death. He thought he was protecting his men, but the top brass want to make an example of him to maintain discipline in the ranks.
With a contemporary score performed live by the Red Note Ensemble, the songs explore the vulnerability and devastation of the battlefields, alongside the inner struggles of the men. Composer Gareth Williams is a long-term collaborator with both Red Note and Oliver Emanuel; the pair previously worked on The End of the World (for One Night Only) which Red Note commissioned, developed and staged in Edinburgh in December 2012.
Poignant and powerful, The 306: Dawn will be performed in a transformed barn in the Perthshire countryside, exploring the lives of these unknown soldiers – who appear on no war memorials, to give them back their voices, stories and names.
The 306: Dawn will open with a special dawn performance.
The production is being presented in Perthshire as part of the Perth Festival of Arts.
The 306 is written by the celebrated Scottish-based writer, Oliver Emanuel, whose work for the National Theatre of Scotland includes Dragon (winner, Best Production for Families, UK Theatre Awards 2014) and The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, based on Neil Gaiman’s book of the same name. The music for The 306 is composed by Gareth Williams, whose work has featured in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, St. Magnus Festival, Sound Festival, 5:15, Tête à Tête Opera Festival, Sonorities, Opera to Go, and the York Late Music Festival. Laurie Sansom directs, whose award-wining The James Plays trilogy also tours throughout the UK in 2016.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Europe and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, says:
“This is a fantastic project highlighting one of the less acknowledged aspects of the First World War, and I’m pleased the very best of our creative talent will be helping to illuminate Scotland’s commemorations. The 306: Dawn is just one of many projects taking place across the country to encourage the people of Scotland to reflect on the significant impact the First World War had on our nation and its lasting effects on life today.”
Oliver Emanuel, writer of The 306:Dawn, says: “In 2012, Gareth Williams and I were looking at all the planned memorials for the First World War. It felt like all the stories were about bravery and sacrifice and heroism. And whilst these were powerful testimonies, it seemed as if there was something missing. What about those who failed to live up to this ideal?
“When we found out about the 306 men shot for cowardice, desertion and mutiny – and the story of their families and the hundred year campaign for their pardon – it was an instant connection. This story challenges what we think about the war and how we memorialise the dead.”
Gwilym Gibbons, chief executive of Horsecross Arts, the creative organisation behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre, says:
“We are delighted to partner the National Theatre of Scotland for this, the first in what will surely become a series of iconic plays. While Perth Theatre undergoes restoration and redevelopment we are committed to taking theatre out and about to different venues across the community. The 306 fits perfectly with this approach, taking place as it does in a barn in the heart of the Perthshire countryside. The setting will serve to illustrate and enhance this poignant story and we look forward to welcoming audiences from across Scotland to witness what will truly be a unique piece of theatre.”
Venue: Dalcrue Farm, Pitcairngreen, Perth Dates: 24 to 26 May (previews) 27 May (school performance) and 28 May to 11 June 2016
Travel: Audiences will be transported from Perth Concert Hall to the farm.
Age guide: 14+
Opening performance on Sat 28 May at Dalcrue Farm, Pitcairngreen, Perth at 2.15am (dawn).
On sale info: Tickets are available from Perth Theatre Box Office – 01738 621031. Full ticket information is available from nationaltheatrescotland.com. Please note that all tickets need to be purchased in advance, and are not available to buy from the farm.
___________________
NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND REPERTOIRE
National Theatre of Scotland and Live Theatre present
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour
Adapted by Lee Hall from the novel The Sopranos by Alan Warner.
Directed by Vicky Featherstone, music supervisor, Martin Lowe, designed by Chloe Lamford, lighting design by Lizzie Powell and choreography by Imogen Knight.
Touring to International Festival of Arts & Ideas, New Haven, Connecticut (North American premiere); Dundee Rep Theatre; Newcastle Theatre Royal; Galway International Arts Festival, Ireland and the National Theatre in London (London premiere) from May 2016.
National Theatre of Scotland and Live Theatre are thrilled to announce the return of Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, the critically-acclaimed stage adaptation of Alan Warner’s cult Scottish novel The Sopranos, by Lee Hall and directed by Vicky Featherstone, coming back to stages in Scotland and the UK, and touring for the first time to London and the USA in 2016.
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour will receive its London premiere at the Dorfman Theatre, at the National Theatre of Great Britain, opening in early August and playing through until late September. This marks the National Theatre of Scotland’s return to the National Theatre in London, following the sell-out run of The James Plays, co-produced with the National Theatre of Great Britain in 2014 and touring again in 2016.
Rufus Norris, director of the National Theatre of Great Britain, says: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour to the National – not simply to give London audiences the chance to see this exhilarating play, but also because it reunites us with so many friends and neighbours: the National Theatre of Scotland, Live Theatre, Lee Hall and Vicky Featherstone. It will be a joy to have the uproarious Ladies at the Dorfman.”
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on 19 August 2015, and enjoyed a successful sell-out run at the Traverse Theatre, earning critical and audience acclaim, and picking up four awards before embarking on a sell-out Scottish tour and run at Newcastle’s Live Theatre.
Alan Warner’s novel and Lee Hall’s stage play tell the story of six girls on the cusp of change. Love, lust, pregnancy and death all spiral out of control in a single day. Warner’s blisteringly funny dialogue ends in fireworks (literally). Warner, whose 1995 debut novel, Morvern Callar, became a literary phenomenon, continues his themes of being young, lost and out of control in this musical play about losing your virginity and finding yourself. With a soundtrack of classical music and 70s pop rock, featuring music by Handel, Bach and ELO, Our Ladies… is a raucous and life-affirming piece of musical theatre.
Vicky Featherstone, artistic director of the Royal Court Theatre, collaborates with Lee Hall, (Shakespeare in Love, Billy Elliot and The Pitmen Painters), to create a funny, sad and raucously rude production about singing, sex and sambuca.
Alan Warner wrote The Sopranos in 1998, followed by its sequel The Stars in the Bright Sky which was long-listed for the 2010 Man Booker Prize. He has written eight novels and is best known for Morvern Callar which was made into a film starring Samantha Morton in 2002. His most recent novel is Their Lips Talk of Mischief, published by Faber in 2014.
The UK and international tour of Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour will commence in May 2016, with additional UK and international dates to be announced.
Join the conversation: #OurLadies
Touring to International Festival of Arts & Ideas, New Haven, Connecticut (9 to 25 June 2016); Dundee Rep Theatre (30 June to 2 July 2016); Newcastle Theatre Royal (12 to 16 July 2016); Galway International Arts Festival, Ireland (18 to 24 July 2016); The Dorfman, National Theatre of Great Britain (August – September 2016. dates tbc).
On sale: please check nationaltheatrescotland.com for details
____________________
A NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND FESTIVAL
The National Theatre of Scotland in partnership with Macrobert Arts Centre presents
Exchange 2016
Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling from 4 to 10 July 2016
The National Theatre of Scotland’s international theatre festival for 16 to 25 year-olds
Now in its eighth year, the National Theatre of Scotland’s vibrant Exchange programme brings together groups of young theatre-makers (aged 16 to 25 years-old) from Scotland and across the world, to facilitate a national and international exchange and to enable the groups to create and perform new pieces of theatre with the help and support of a professional creative team. Ten groups of young theatre-makers have been selected to take part in Exchange 2016; eight groups from Scotland and two international groups.
The groups are each supported artistically and financially in the creation of an original work of quality contemporary theatre. The creative partners for this instalment of Exchange are Colin Bradie and Fiona Manson. Each theatre piece is initially performed in the group’s home area before it is staged as part of the week-long Exchange festival at Macrobert Arts Centre in July 2016. During that residential week on campus at the University of Stirling, participating groups are encouraged to develop their skills through stimulating master-classes and workshops with leading national and international theatre-makers. The popular Exchange TV returns for a fourth year.
The Scottish theatre groups taking part in Exchange 2016 are:
Beacon Youth Theatre, Inverclyde
Collision Theatre, Buckhaven
Creative Electric in collaboration with Dance Base and #Artcore, Edinburgh
Eden Court Collective, Inverness
Ignite Theatre, Glasgow
Macrobert Collective, Stirling
Paperdog (Firefly Arts Youth Theatre), West Lothian
Strange Town, Edinburgh
The international groups taking part in Exchange 2016 are:
Epic NEXT, Harlem, Manhattan, USA
Massive Company, Auckland, New Zealand
National Theatre of Scotland’s learning and outreach manager, Gillian Gourlay, says:
“From its inception in 2006, I have been delighted to see how not only the festival itself has grown and flourished, but also how the young theatre -makers involved have developed over the years, raising the bar year on year. To be able to bring such a mix of ideas, talent and enthusiasm together from all over the world, and to see them immerse themselves in sharing and creating their own form of theatre, is just amazing to witness. Exchange is an opportunity for everyone to bring something with them to the festival as well as to go away with not just new skills and experiences, but genuine friendships too – and you just can’t buy that.”
Venue: Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling
Performances: Two groups each evening at 7.30pm and 9.00pm from 5 to 9 July 2016.
ROCKVILLA AND LIGHT A BEACON
On 26 October, construction work started on National Theatre of Scotland’s new permanent headquarters on the canal-side area of Speirs Wharf in north-east Glasgow. Designed by award-winning Hoskins Architects, the new building will be named Rockvilla, in recognition of the industrial and social heritage of the surrounding area, and is due to be completed in summer 2016.
The company simultaneously launched a campaign to raise the remaining £1.9 million of the £6.475 million needed to fund the project. People the length and breadth of Scotland are being invited to donate to the appeal and have the opportunity to engage with and be part of Rockvilla.
Central to the Rockvilla appeal is the creation of an original art work by the award-winning Glasgow-based design studio, Pidgin Perfect. Styled as a large-scale map of Scotland, the finished art work will be positioned in the entrance foyer of Rockvilla, creating a beautifully arresting affirmation of the organisation’s commitment to the whole of Scotland from the Borders to the Shetland Islands. Key locations on the finished map will be lit by translucent ‘Beacons’ which friends and supporters can ‘light up’ in return for a donation.
The campaign has already captured the imaginations of many people from across the communities the Company serves, with support already received for Beacons in a variety of locations including: the Italian Chapel in Orkney, Skeabost on Skye, Knightswood in Glasgow, Rhu, Nigg in the Cromarty Firth, Sma’ Glen, West Linton and Port Seton.
For more information please visit nationaltheatrescotland.com/rockvilla
____________________
NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND PRESS OFFICE CONTACTS:
Emma Schad – press manager – emma.schad@nationaltheatrescotland.com
Tel: +44 (0)227 9016 M: +44 (0)7930 308018
Joe Blythe – press officer – joe.blythe@nationaltheatrescotland.com
Tel: +44 (0)141 227 9497 M: +44 (0) )7500 258404
Adam McDougall – press officer – adam.mcdougall@nationaltheatrescotland.com
Tel: +44 (0)141 227 9231 M: +44 (0) 773 815 3157
I AM THOMAS/TOLD BY AN IDIOT publicist
Nancy Poole, 07957 342 850, nancy@nancypoolepr.com
Follow the National Theatre of Scotland’s press office on Twitter @NTS_press
____________________
Press images: there is a selection of images for current productions available for download from www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/press – please contact the press office for a password.
For season announcement images please contact the press office (contact details above).
____________________
NOTES TO EDITORS
The National Theatre of Scotland is dedicated to playing the great stages, arts centres, village halls, schools and site-specific locations of Scotland, the UK and internationally. As well as creating ground-breaking productions and working with the most talented theatre-makers, the National Theatre of Scotland produces significant community engagement projects, innovates digitally and works constantly to develop new talent. Central to this is finding pioneering ways to reach current and new audiences and to encourage people’s full participation in the company’s work. With no performance building of its own, the company works with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theatre of the highest quality. Founded in 2006, the company, in its short life, has become a globally significant theatrical player, with an extensive repertoire of award-winning work.
The National Theatre of Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government. www.nationaltheatrescotland.com
About 14 -18 NOW. A programme of special commissions by leading artists from Britain and around the world to mark the centenary of the First World War as part of the UK’s official centenary commemorations. The first season centred around 4 August 2014 (Anniversary of the Declaration of War), and the focus of the subsequent two seasons will be July 2016 (anniversary of the Battle of Somme) and November 2018 (centenary of Armistice Day). 14 -18 NOW is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England and by additional fundraising. 14-18 NOW made 31 commissions in 2014 resulting in 78 artworks across the UK, with over 19 million people experiencing a commission. LIGHTS OUT marked the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War on 4 August and saw 16.7 million participate. 14-18 NOW aims to reach at least 25 million people over the course of the centenary.
Aberdeen Inspired is Aberdeen’s Business Improvement District within the city centre, funded by levy payers. Aberdeen Inspired works on behalf of 700 (approx.) city centre businesses. www.aberdeeninspired.com
Aberdeen Performing Arts is a charitable trust managing Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre, Music Hall and The Lemon Tree. APA’s vision is to reach for the stars in everything we do. Through staging and producing a wide and diverse range of work we aim to touch emotions, lift the spirits and expand the minds of both residents and visitors to the North East of Scotland.
ACT Aberdeen is a leading community arts venue run by a small core team of staff and over 80 volunteers, which provides facilities and opportunities for professional, amateur and youth companies and individuals to enjoy an enriching cultural life through tuition, performance and participation, regardless of age or social circumstance.
Arts & Business Scotland (A&BS) is a national charity which encourages and promotes new and sustainable collaborations between the creative and business sectors. It fosters dynamic cross sector relationships to enable Scotland to benefit from a vibrant cultural community. The New Arts Sponsorship (NAS) Grant scheme encourages private sector sponsorship of cultural activity in Scotland. Funded by the Scottish Government and administered by A&BS it offers £1 for £1 match funding to cultural organisations which have secured sponsorship from an eligible business.
In total, over £7 million has been invested in culture through NAS with Scottish Government investment exceeding £3 million since the grant scheme began in 2006.
Balmoral Group Holdings Ltd is a privately owned company based in Aberdeen, Scotland. Employing over 600 people, Balmoral has been providing solutions to the oil and gas, marine, construction, environmental engineering and processing sectors since 1980.
Beacon Youth Theatre (BYT) in Greenock is led by Andy McGregor and Marianne Yeomans, who specialise in facilitating, making and directing theatre with children and young people. This dynamic and creative group is always adventurous, making every one of their performances unique. They may decide to take audiences on journeys into fantastical worlds or they may have a burning desire to explore social media and its effects on young people. Whatever topic, story or genre, the group decides the creative process will always be a collaborative one. Participants are encouraged to use their imagination, share ideas, tell real life stories and together they make them come alive on stage.
Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment, and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998. Just three men hand-craft Benromach using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They fill new spirit into the highest quality casks before leaving it to mature at the distillery for many years. The Benromach portfolio includes the award-winning Benromach 10 Years Old and the first fully certified organic single malt – Benromach Organic.
Benromach and the National Theatre of Scotland are committed to promoting responsible drinking messages within the sponsorship of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Scottish Government document ‘Alcohol Sponsorship Guidelines Scotland’
Citizens Theatre is an iconic venue and theatre company based in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. It has been one of Scotland’s flagship producing theatres since 1945 and celebrates its 70th anniversary in its Gorbals home in 2015.
Fondly known as the Citz, it is led by its artistic director, Dominic Hill. Within a beautiful Victorian auditorium that dates from 1878, the Citizens presents a world-class, contemporary repertory based on bold new interpretations of classic texts. As its name suggests, it places a strong emphasis on work that can enhance and transform the lives of citizens of all ages, cultures and social backgrounds through performance and participation to which everyone has access.
For the latest information on all Citizens Theatre shows, learning and participation activity and the building redevelopment project. visit citz.co.uk. Find us on Facebook: citizenstheatre. Follow us on Twitter @citizenstheatre
Citymoves Dance Agency nurtures a diverse programme of dance classes, performance groups, workshops, residencies, targeted partnership projects across Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland. It produces DanceLive – Scotland’s only annual festival of contemporary dance which is celebrating its tenth birthday in October 2015. Citymoves’ purpose is to make a difference through dance and we aim to forge strong partnerships, increase participation, develop audiences and nurture talent. Citymoves Dance Agency receives strong support from Aberdeen City Council and is a Creative Scotland Regularly Funded Organisation. www.citymoves.org.uk
Collision is a collective of Fife-based young theatre makers and is produced by Claire Bloomfield. They create work that responds to the everyday and explores the world in which they live.
Since its inception in 2013, Collision has presented work at The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Rose Theatre London, Edinburgh International Fringe Festival, the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme, Glasgow, various theatres across Scotland, and in non-traditional performance spaces, including parks and nursing homes. The company has created work with the National Theatre of Scotland, the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain, Kingston International Youth Arts Festival, Hearts and Minds and Scottish Book Trust.
Creative Electric is a critically-acclaimed, award-winning theatre company, which creates contemporary performance based on real experiences. Often their work is interactive, sometimes it’s personal, at times it’s one-to-one. The company creates socio-political work with an intentional emphasis on the social and an often unintentional emphasis on the political. Creative Electric aims to engage with young people who may not traditionally attend arts events and do so by producing theatre in non-traditional spaces including nightclubs, skate parks, trains, abandoned buildings and even on rooftops. They are currently working with a group of young men aged 16-24 to explore the themes of fragility and masculinity through verbatim and physical theatre supported by Dance Base and Artcore Edinburgh.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland
Deloitte LLP is the United Kingdom member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (‘DTTL’), a UK private company limited by gua