THEATRE and sport are not typical partners in the world of performance, but one group of Highland drama and dance specialists are on track to proving them a winning combination.
As part of Event Scotland’s Games for Scotland programme of events, celebrating the run-up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Eden Court Theatre’s CREATIVE Department are touring Commonwealth Sports Day!, an accessible, interactive street theatre performance inspired by the Games, across the Highlands this August.
Fresh from their storming premiere at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival on Friday 2 August, Eden Court CREATIVE’s drama and dance workers took Commonwealth Sports Day! on the road to Inverness’ Falcon Square for a circus-themed street performance in the heart of the city centre on Tuesday 6 August.
Crowds gathered to watch as the Amazing Commonwealth Sporto-Dancing girl combined the 17 Commonwealth sports with the dance styles of participating countries and to meet Clyde, the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games mascot, who paid Eden Court CREATIVE an exclusive visit.
The Commonwealth crew staged five interactive afternoon performances in the square to an enthusiastic public, who joined CREATIVE on stage to spin the wheel of Sportune, direct the Sporto-Dancing moves and mirror the Amazing Commonwealth Sporto-Dancing Girl’s actions, attempting to create an unforgettable Opening Ceremony performance to rival that of Danny Boyle’s Olympic masterpiece!
While children and adults alike, of all ages and abilities, got CREATIVE, Clyde captivated the audience with boundless energy and struck a pose for their cameras.
CREATIVE manager, Kati Kozikowska, said:
“We are thrilled with the public reception to Commonwealth Sports Day! so far, and encouraged to see the Highland people so keenly interested in supporting both Eden Court CREATIVE and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“As the largest multi-arts venue in Scotland and a key centre for the Highlands, Eden Court can’t wait to welcome such an influential event as the Commonwealth Games to Scotland.
“This fun and theatrical look at the Commonwealth Games is just one example of the many projects we offer out and about in the community.”
The Games for Scotland programme, managed by EventScotland, forms a key part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver a lasting legacy as a result of the Commonwealth Games coming to Scotland.
Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison, said:
“With the theme around ‘One year to go’, the Games for Scotland programme encourages communities across Scotland to feel part of the excitement building around the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Thousands of people are able to join in this fantastic opportunity to celebrate our modern and vibrant culture, helping to deliver a legacy that Scots everywhere can feel proud of.”
Paul Bush OBE, chief operating officer at EventScotland, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Eden Court Theatre and Cinema in the delivery of what promises to be a fantastic event. Sports Day epitomises what the Games for Scotland programme has been designed to accomplish; inspiring, motivating and engendering pride amongst the people of Scotland.
“With one year to go, the diverse programme of sport and dance events taking place across the country as part of the Games For Scotland project are undoubtedly extending the legacy of the Games far beyond the host city to the benefit of communities throughout Scotland.”
David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 chief executive, said:
“With the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games fast approaching, the eyes of the world are on Glasgow and Scotland as anticipation builds for what promises to be a truly outstanding sporting and cultural event. We’re delighted that Eden Court is holding Sports Day as part of the Games for Scotland programme. It gives people across the country a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take part in events celebrating Scotland’s role as host of the Games, as well as its heritage and cultural connection with the Commonwealth community.”
ENDS
For further information, interview requests or to arrange picture opportunities, please contact Eden Court marketing department / marketing@eden-court.co.uk / 01463 239 841
Notes to editors:
Eden Court
Eden Court is the largest multi-arts venue in Scotland. It re-opened in November 2007 following an extensive redevelopment programme, which saw the addition of two purpose built cinemas, a brand new flexible second theatre space and two dance and education studios.
Eden Court CREATIVE Arts Workers live and work in ten different areas covering the whole of the Highlands of Scotland, from Nairn to Skye, from Lochaber to Caithness. They specialise in making drama, dance and digital media activities accessible to both children and adults in the Highlands. Eden Court CREATIVE also employs two Additional Support Needs specialists, making the Arts as accessible as possible for the entire community.
Eden Court is the only theatre in Scotland to offer Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) courses in Drama and Dance. These are extracurricular courses, which offer pupils from across Highland the opportunity to study at Eden Court for an SQA Higher Dance, Drama or Intermediate 2 exams. Aside from Eden Court, there is only one school in the Highlands where pupils can sit SQA Higher Drama exams.
Games for Scotland
Games for Scotland is a programme of events designed to inspire, motivate, engage and engender pride in the people of Scotland in the run-up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The programme, managed by EventScotland (Scotland’s National Events Agency), forms a key part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver a lasting legacy as a result of the Commonwealth Games coming to Scotland. www.gameslegacyscotland.org
With one year to go, excitement is building in the lead up to Glasgow 2014 as young people across Scotland look forward to this landmark year of sport.
People across Scotland are being invited to join the excitement in the lead up to 2014 by going along to one of the events taking place between 1 June to 31 August 2013 www.eventscotland.org/gamesforscotland
This year the Games for Scotland programme welcomes Clyde the Glasgow 2014 Mascot to help generate national, regional, and international awareness of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games bringing the excitement of the Games to Scotland’s young people and encouraging them to lead an active lifestyle and participate in sport. www.glasgow2014.com
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Contact: Teresa Bendoris
Phone: 01463239841
Email: marketing@eden-court.co.uk
Website: http://www.eden-court.co.uk
