FIONA HYSLOP, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, has unveiled the 2013 Made in Scotland programme.
A partnership between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, the Federation of Scottish Theatre and Creative Scotland, Made in Scotland has received £550,000 funding from the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund.
Now in its fifth year, the showcase celebrates the wealth and diversity of work that is currently being made and produced in Scotland – from established companies like Fire Exit, Scottish Dance Theatre, National Theatre of Scotland and the Arches to the current wave of emerging artists – Junction 25, Keiran Hurley, AJ Taudevin and Adura Onashile.
This year’s programme has added music to the mix. The inaugural music programme covers all genres with 20 shows and concerts selected by a panel of experts facilitated by the Scottish Music Centre. This will run in conjunction with the 14 theatre and dance companies.
The vibrant music programme provides a platform for an eclectic array of artists from the world of jazz, classical, folk, electronic and experimental. A flavour of what’s in store includes: Karine Polwart and Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (part of the Queen’s Hall programme, The Astrid String Quartet, The One Ensemble, Amy Duncan, Digi-Bhang Live by Tigerstyle & Guests and Bluefint, who recently supported The Proclaimers.
Since its inception in 2009, Made in Scotland has funded 57 Scottish companies to showcase their work as well as enabling them to take up national and international touring opportunities.
Catherine Wheels and Puppet State’s acclaimed children’s shows, White and The Man Who Planted Trees, continues to delight children worldwide.
Onward touring opportunities has seen Scottish companies taking shows to venues across the UK including performances at London’s Barbican and Southbank Centres, whilst European tours have included Germany, Belgium, Poland, Italy, The Netherlands, France and Denmark.
Made in Scotland has also enabled companies to perform at the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne’s Arts Centre, New Victory Theatre in New York as well as tours to the USA, China, New Zealand, Tasmania, Brazil, Bahrain and the Ukraine with appearances at some of the best world festivals – Dublin, Belfast, Naples, Adelaide and the New Zealand International Arts Festival.
As well as a strong line up in the theatre and dance programme, Òran Mór’s groundbreaking lunchtime theatre programme, A Play, A Pie and A Pint will host a series of debates and discussions on its successful model.
Playwrights’ Studio Scotland returns to explore what stimulates the artists behind this year’s Made in Scotland.
Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, said: “Made in Scotland’s’ strong reach and appeal has been proven by the international success of many of the acts showcased over the last four years.
“It’s fantastic that this year, musicians will now also benefit from this partnership. The Edinburgh festivals contribute more than £250m in additional tourism revenue to Scotland’s economy. Investing in Initiatives such as ‘Made in Scotland’ not only makes economic sense but gives Scottish performers the opportunity to promote our country’s rich culture, heritage and distinct identity on a world stage.”
She added: “I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s participants in the ‘Made in Scotland’ programme add yet more diversity and creativity to Scotland’s world-renowned reputation.”
Kath M Mainland, chief executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “The Made in Scotland showcase is a vital platform for Scottish artists at the world’s largest arts festival.
“Being part of the Fringe is of huge value to Scottish companies in terms of raising their profile, accessing contacts from the media and arts industry as well as presenting their work alongside many international counterparts. As the most significant international arts market in the UK, the Fringe opens up opportunities to have this work seen by promoters from around the globe.”
She added: “Made In Scotland has been a great addition to the Fringe landscape in recent years, providing great benefits to the companies who have taken part, so it’s great that in 2013, for the fifth showcase, music will take centre stage alongside theatre and dance.”
Jon Morgan, director, Federation of Scottish Theatre, said: “We are delighted to be continuing the successful partnership with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and Creative Scotland on Made in Scotland.
“We would also like to thank the Scottish Government for their ongoing support of Made In Scotland through the Expo Fund.
“As the critical success and international reach of the Made in Scotland shows over the last five years demonstrates, Scotland has a vibrant performing arts scene with a wide range of exciting, established and emerging artists.”
Iain Munro, acting CEO, Creative Scotland, said: “Made in Scotland has proved a huge success – supporting artists based in Scotland to present work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe before audiences drawn from across the world, and to tour their work internationally to critical and commercial acclaim.
“It is fantastic to be able to welcome musicians into the Made in Scotland mix as part of a showcase that illustrates once again the imagination, the ambition and the brilliance of this country’s performing arts and artists.”
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Dates/times and venues: www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com
2013 Made in Scotland Companies: Theatre & Dance
Junction 25 – Anoesis
After a sell-out 2011 Fringe, Herald Angel Award winners, Junction 25, are back with a brand new show. An immersive experience about formal education, exams, success, failure and the systems that affect us -whether we choose them or not.
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ThickSkin – Chalk Farm by Kieran Hurley and AJ Taudevin. Directed by Neil Bettles
Award-winning playwrights Kieran Hurley and AJ Taudevin, join forces with highly-acclaimed ThickSkin (Blackout, The Static), in this explosive new play about love and blame during the 2011 London riots.
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Sonica – Ecstatic Arc by Robbie Thomson
Combining music and mechanical choreography to spectacular effect, Ecstatic Arc is seductive in its raw beauty. The theatrical installation is based on a dystopian future of masks and sculptures, created using found objects, recording devises and a caged tesla coil.
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HeLa by Adura Onashile in association with Iron Oxide
inspired by ‘The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks’ by Rebecca Skloot
In 1951 Henrietta Lacks walked into the coloured section of the John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore with a pain in her abdomen. A cell sample taken without her permission was used as the raw material for some of the most important scientific discoveries of the past 100 years. This solo show by Adura Onashile takes as its inspiration the true life story of Henrietta Lacks and the extraordinary life of the HeLa cell line. HeLa is an all consuming story, intertwining genetic identity, social responsibility and current ethical debates about human tissue research and ownership…
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Robert Softley – If These Spasms Could Speak
We know you want to look, to stare even. It’s OK. You’re allowed. An outstanding solo performance based on a collection of funny, sad, touching and surprising stories about disabled people and their bodies.
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Scottish Dance Theatre – Innocence by Fleur Darkin
A unique playroom performance, Innocence invites 0-7 year olds (and their adults), to explore the world of William Blake’s imagination. Together with Scottish Dance Theatre’s captivating dancers, join us on a magical theatrical journey full of song, dance and play with live music by Paul Bradley. Innocence is a wonderful dance experience for young ones, their families and friends.
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Fire Exit – David Leddy’s Long Live The Little Knife
Long Live The Little Knife is a fast-paced, absurd and uplifting theatre piece about forgery, castration and blind drunkenness. Liz and Jim are a husband and wife team of forgers who have risen to great heights and fallen to great depths in their careers as con artists and counterfeiters. Caught in a turf war over fake vintage handbags, they need to find £250 grand in protection money. They undertake a harebrained mission to become the world’s greatest art forgers. There’s only one problem. They can’t paint.
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National Theatre of Scotland – Ménage à Trois by Claire Cunningham and Gail Sneddon
A hauntingly beautiful study of love, obsession, loneliness and manipulation, Ménage à Trois is a visually stunning piece of dance theatre from award-winning performer Claire Cunningham and choreographer/video artist Gail Sneddon. Set within an extraordinary, animated environment, it envelops the performers in a surreal, imaginary world. This darkly humorous and deeply personal portrait explores Claire’s 20-year relationship with her crutches and asks if it’s possible to find love when there are already three of you in the relationship.
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Wee Stories – One Giant Leap
One Giant Leap is an impossible attempt to bring the whole universe into a theatre and into our understanding, using a tennis ball, a wastepaper basket and a dash of theatrical invention. Iain Johnstone’s passionate solo performance about the relationship between humanity and the heavens is full of facts and awkward questions. Funny and serious, intelligent and silly, theatre and lecture, cosmic and personal, One Giant Leap asks us to think – about what we take for granted and about what we choose to ignore.
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Scottish Dance Theatre – Second Coming by Victor Quijada
Quirky, fresh and witty, Second Coming contains classical samples, cavernous soundscapes and surprises as Victor Quijada takes urban dance to a new theatrical territory. Heavily influenced by the Los Angeles street-dance culture Quijada grew up in, Second Coming is an exclusive commission for Scottish Dance Theatre’s exquisite dancers that sets his world–acclaimed breaking style to a potent turntablist soundtrack by DJ/composer Jasper Gahunia (AKA DJ Lil’ Jaz).
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Sonica – Tales of Magical Realism by Sven Werner
Based on Werner’s film Oculista, in which a lone traveller meets a beautiful mysterious girl at a train station, this atmospheric installation takes you on an illusion-fuelled journey to darkly poetic places. Take a peek into a miniature steam-punk, peep show world with this curiously vaudevillian sonic experience, featuring music by Graeme Miller. Sonica is a programme of events that presents emerging British talent alongside exceptional international artists.
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macrobert – Titus by Jan Sobrie, new English version by Oliver Emanuel. Directed by Lu Kemp
A drama about telling big lies and small truths. About pigs that fall in love. About crows that talk. About running away and finding yourself.
The story of a ten year-old boy on the edge – literally on the roof of his school – confronted by a situation that seems hopeless. He can either give up or fight.
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The Arches & Regular Music in association with Richard Jordan Productions – Whatever Gets You Through The Night
Scotland’s most distinctive novelists, poets, musicians, songwriters and playwrights – including Errors, Ricky Ross, Alan Bissett, Rachel Sermanni, Withered Hand, RM Hubbert, Emma Pollock and Stef Smith – and you: a nation of people, awake in the dark, waiting for the light to come. This ambitious multimedia performance, created by Cora Bissett, Swimmer One and David Greig, was a sell-out sensation at Glasgow’s Arches. Come and meet lost souls, party animals and dreamers in a snapshot of a country at its most vulnerable and revealing.
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A PLAY, A PIE AND A PINT INTERROGATED and A PITCH, A PIE AND A PINT
Meet the Creative team behind Scotland’s unique lunchtime theatrical phenomenon. There will be debate, discussion, possibly some play readings and a pint to wash it all down.
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2013 Made in Scotland Companies: Music
Alex Yellowlees – Hot Club Jazz Quartet
Modern day Scottish Grappelli on violin with virtuoso guitarists Ged Brockie, Mike Nisbet, double bassist Kenny Ellis, perform Hot Club jazz, Latin rhythms, Celtic gypsy flair!
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Amy Duncan – Cycles of Life
Edinburgh based singer/songwriter Amy Duncan performs songs from her new album -Cycles of Life. The songs are intimate, honest and ultimately uplifting, encapsulating the sense of moving from dark to light. With beautiful harmonies and haunting melodies, Amy weaves stories deeply familiar to us all.
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Astrid String Quartet – Five by Five
The Astrid String Quartet performs five quintets in five days, with five special guests. A collaboration with distinguished cellist William Conway opens the series, which concludes with illustrious pianist Scott Mitchell. Exciting young talents include: clarinettist Calum Robertson and double bassist Stewart Wilson. Prodigious trombonist Dávur Juul Magnussen joins the quartet to give world premières of two specially commissioned works by Richard Greer and Claire McCue. Join the Astrid String Quartet for all five performances and experience an eclectic, dynamic fringe event.
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The Black Diamond Express presents ‘Midnight Train’
The Black Diamond Express return to The Assembly Rooms every Saturday night this August to conduct fyrebrand sonic sermons of devilish proportions…This Edinburgh nine-piece have just released their debut album, toured the U.K. and performed at Celtic Connections – most recently supporting The Magic Band and Grammy Award winners The Mavericks. Their festival show features stunning original compositions stirred with a healthy dose of old time Blues and work songs. Once the coals get hot, these gents are an unstoppable force… Having sold out last year’s show in a matter of days you’ll want to get your ticket early for this midnight train… Hell-bound!!!
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Blueflint
Fresh from supporting The Proclaimers in 2012, Blueflint’s formidable live shows have gained them a strong reputation and following through the UK. Sublime harmonies interweave in beautifully-crafted songs swooping from folk’s dark underbelly to buoyant Americana-tinged ballads.
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Big Sky – The Boy and the Bunnet
Big Sky presents seven of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians in a beautifully narrated and captivating musical adventure written in Scots by James Robertson, with music composed by James Ross.
“This is the tale of a young laddie called Neil …” – when Neil gets lost in the deep, dark forest what can his animal friends do to help him get home before the Urisk finds him. Music, songs, fun and just a wee bit scary too.
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Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra – Some I Know, Some I Don’t
A new commission by American avant-garde composer Jim O’Rourke (Sonic Youth), for the Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra incorporating improvised music, theatrics and real-time film. The result is a theatrical musical event full of spontaneity and surprises.
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Martin Kershaw – Hero as Riddle
Inspired by the work of Edinburgh-born artist, Eduardo Paolozzi, the award-winning Hero as Riddle suite was originally written in 2008 by renowned saxophonist/composer Martin Kershaw for a ten-piece group of Scotland’s finest musicians, who will reunite for this very special concert.
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Noise (New Opera in Scotland Events) – The Sloans Project
Noise presents The Sloans Project composed by Gareth Williams; libretto by David Brock. Originating from the Sloans Bar in Glasgow, this site-specific, promenade opera vividly captures the emotional life of a pub. Audience encounter a series of vignettes as they explore the stunning, period Scottish Arts Club: comic and moving moments powerfully revealed through soaring composition, witty writing and performance.
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Rant – Special Album launch concert
The album launch concert from RANT: four of Scotland’s finest fiddle players, two from the Shetland Islands and two from the Highlands. Bethany Reid, Jenna Reid, Sarah-Jane Summers and Lauren MacColl, using just their fiddles, weave a tapestry of melodies, textures, colours and harmony.
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Scottish Saxophone Ensemble and guests
Led by Sue McKenzie (Delphian Records), the Scottish Saxophone Ensemble give another exciting performance. Expect anything from Phillip Glass and Chick Corea to Will Gregory of Goldfrapp.
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Sophie Bancroft and Louis Durra Trio
Soulful Scottish songwriter Sophie Bancroft and mash-up pianist Louis Durra (Herald Angel Award 2011) collaborate in a memorable evening of music. A phenomenal quartet and intriguing repertoire.
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Story’s End – The Dead Man’s Waltz
“Men fear death as children fear to go into the dark; and as that natural fear in children is increased by tales, so is the other,” Francis Bacon.
Story’s End is a reconnaissance mission into the no man’s land where Death borders with Storytelling.
From Presbyterian silence to the colour of Día de Muertos, the show covers the gamut of this fascinating subject using live music, silent film and spoken word.
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The One Ensemble – Saint Seven
Bold, abrasive, sensual, ritualistic. Saint Seven, played in the round by The One Ensemble, is a dramatic hybrid of voices and instruments that seamlessly interweaves elements of experimental, folk and classical chamber music. Challenging conventional approaches to performance, this epic acoustic quartet is shot though with a rare theatricality.
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The Queen’s Hall presents…
Bella Hardy and The Midnight Watch
Based in Scotland, but raised in the Peak District, Bella Hardy is one of the most prolific and original singer-songwriters in the UK. She has just released her new album ‘Battleplan’.
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The Chair
Hailing from the Orkney Islands, The Chair are an eight piece, dance-floor filling, whirlwind who blend their isles’ traditional music with a myriad of other influences including rock, jazz and zydeco.
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Karine Polwart
Nominated for three awards at 2013 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Scottish singer-songwriter Karine Polwart plays tracks from her latest album ‘Traces’ – longlisted 2013 Scottish Album of the Year Award.
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Scottish National Jazz Orchestra – In The Spirit of the Duke
Winners of Best Jazz Ensemble at UK Parliamentary Jazz Awards – perform classic Ellington compositions live.
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Digi-Bhang Live by Tigerstyle and Guests in association with Iron-Oxide
Digi-Bhang Live promises to be a welcome assault on the senses for fans of all genres. Combining Indian folk music from ‘Bhangra’ with contemporary electronic elements and traditional influences, Digi-Bhang Live is an ambitious new music showcase. Musicians of Asian and Scottish backgrounds bring you an Intergalactic Future Folk Fusion!
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Vocali3e – Atlantic Crossings
Soprano | Flute | Piano
A fascinating recital of music from America, Scotland and Ireland juxtaposing art songs and folksong arrangements by Joseph Haydn, André Previn, Amy Beach, John Corigliano and Edinburgh born Thea Musgrave. The programme will feature the UK première of Lori Laitman’s moving song cycle, Fathers.
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For further Information, interviews, photographs contact: Wendy Niblock, Publicist on 07961 814834 / wendjniblock@btinternet.com
Notes for Editors
For details of the full 2013 Made in Scotland programme visit www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com
Made in Scotland:
* supports Scottish dance, theatre and music companies/ artists to present their best work on an international stage;
* raises the profile of the work of Scottish dance, theatre and music companies/artists and offers them unique networking opportunities with promoters;
* increases the number and diversity of international promoters coming to see Scottish work at the Fringe through a year-round promoter development programme;
* nurtures and encourages international creative dialogue and the development of international collaborations by Scottish dance, theatre and music companies/artists;
* supports international touring opportunities for all Scottish dance, theatre and music companies/artists performing at the Fringe;
* offers a year-round programme of training, support and advice to companies/artists so they can maximise the impact of their appearance in the showcase.
The Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund is available to all 12 Festivals, to support the development of Scottish-based work and to allow that work to reach international audiences through presentation at the Edinburgh Festivals.The Expo Fund has invested a a total of £10.25m over five years with a further £2.25m committed in 2013/14.
The Made in Scotland programmes were selected by a panel of arts experts. Full details on both panel members can be found on: www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com
Full information on national and international touring opportunities for companies who have been part of the Made in Scotland showcase since 2009 can be found on: www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com
The full 2013 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme is launched on Thursday 30 May. For further information visit: www.edfringe.com
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Email: wendyjniblock@btinternet.com
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