Fifers unite with Syrian refugees through storytelling project

A Fife theatre group is using storytelling to bring together the local community and the new Syrian families settled in the area.

Community theatre company Suit and Pace has been working with the Fife Arabic Society to explore the similarities in Scots and Syrian culture.

The result is Story Swap, a performance of traditional Scottish and Syrian folklore that takes place in Kirkcaldy Galleries tomorrow, from 1pm to 4pm.

The event is part of Refugee Festival Scotland, an annual Scotland-wide festival of arts, cultural and community events coordinated by the Scottish Refugee Council.

Now in its 17th year, the festival celebrates the contribution refugees make to Scotland’s cultural life – the food, music, dance, visual art and ideas that refugees bring with them to Scotland.

Suit and Pace performer Andrew Coull said: “The idea for Story Swap initially came to us when hearing about the Syrian refugees coming to Fife.

“Coming to Scotland was obviously a massive adjustment for them, and we liked the idea of creating something that would use Syrian and Scottish culture to show our commonalities.

“We want audience members to see how the stories that have been told for generations in both countries touch on the same topics, explore similar ideas and often use the same storytelling themes.

“We want people to take away an interest in Syrian culture and a desire to explore more of Syria’s rich and ancient folklore and stories.

“We also want people to understand that Syrian refugees have stories to share.”