National Theatre of Scotland announces new Gaelic arts opportunity

WORKSHOPS for up to ten Gaelic-speaking directors and performers will be up for grabs in November.

And they represent an important part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s commitment to developing Gaelic-language theatre.

The company announced this new training opportunity for Gaelic directors and performers, as part of the its commitment to supporting the development of Gaelic drama artists.

The two-week course, run in conjunction with Pròiseact nan Ealan, and with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative Scotland, will take place in the National Theatre of Scotland’s rehearsal spaces in Glasgow from November 9 - 20 (excluding 14 and 15 November).

The course will support new and developing Gaelic directors and professional Gaelic performers, allowing them to undertake an intensive two week practical exploration with professional development training.

Run by the National Theatre of Scotland’s acclaimed associate director, Graham McLaren, and a team of leading theatre professionals, the course will specialise in dramaturgy, movement, voice, puppetry and stage design.

The programme is designed for up to ten Gaelic-speaking directors and performers who, through workshops and group sessions with the tutors, will explore new and existing methods of developing a piece of theatre, building upon and catering to individuals’ existing talents.

This opportunity is an important part of the company’s ongoing development of Gaelic theatre.

Earlier this year, the National Theatre of Scotland toured Whisky Galore/ Uisge-Beatha Gu Leòr, a new Gaelic version of the popular novel, Whisky Galore, by Compton MacKenzie, adapted for the stage by Iain Finlay Macleod which was its most fully-realised Gaelic language theatre production to date.

The company previously collaborated with Iain Finlay Macleod as part of the its Reveal season in 2011, showcasing emerging Scottish theatre talent, premiering his bi-lingual play, Somersaults at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh in 2011.

The play was subsequently produced by the Finborough Theatre in London.

The National Theatre of Scotland also successful produced Fiona J Mackenzie’s A Little Bird Blown Off Course/ Eun Bheag Chanaidh in partnership with Blas Festival, which toured the Highlands and Islands and was presented in Glasgow at Celtic Connections in 2013/2014.

The deadline for applications is Monday, September 28.

Full information on how to apply can be found at www.nationaltheatrescotland.com