The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Creation in isolation
With arts venues across the globe unable to open their doors to audiences, Jennifer Mclaren discovers how organisations in Courier Country are continuing to reach out
O ur theatres and music venues have closed in an attempt to protect populations against the spread of Covid-19. Festivals and tours are on pause. Where crowds once gathered, seats and stages are empty.
In Courier Country, local arts organisations are still doing what they do best, and that’s reaching out to their audiences, fostering creativity and community.
Just a matter of weeks ago, Dundee Rep Theatre and Scottish Dance Theatre announced project Where are you, Dundee? aimed at supporting and connecting the city’s communities.
It will see artwork created for – and by – the people of Dundee with a new series of creative tasks announced each week. The responses to these can be shared online by participants.
Scottish Dance Theatre artistic director Joan Clevillé says: “You have to let go of your plans and prioritise health and wellbeing. People are restless and you can feel it. We are trying to provide quality offerings that have the stamp of our creative teams so people feel accompanied and supported.”
Dundee Rep artistic director Andrew Panton goes on: “We were quite keen in the beginning just to pause a little bit and wait to see what our audiences wanted from us. So, the idea behind this project is interactive – it’s two-way. It’s an artistic conversation.”
Although the project is just getting off the ground, there has been a lot of positive feedback. The first task was released earlier this week, so responses will soon be shared.
The project is open to everyone via website: dundeerep.co.uk.
The Rep, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Horsecross Arts have also teamed up to present actors talking about plays they love each week.
In early April, Horsecross Arts in Perth launched Keep Going Together (keepgoingtogether.co.uk) which sees short daily offerings being shared by departments across the creative organisation behind Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre.
Artistic director for Perth Theatre Lu Kemp is curating the site along with Horsecross Arts creative directors for classical music James Waters and contemporary music Andy Shearer.
Nick Williams, chief executive of Horsecross Arts, says feedback so far has been really positive: “Our venues are so much more than buildings; they are the people who bring them to life.
“We’ve been amazed by the messages of support we’ve received from all corners of this community as we face this challenging situation together, and we’re determined to stay connected and communicating while we can’t welcome people into Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre.”
Nick adds: “There’s loads of great stuff happening online right now and it can be a bit overwhelming. What we’re saying is, visit us every day and you’ll find something to enjoy, either created by us or someone we recommend, it’s a bite-sized moment of culture or community to brighten your day.”
By now, Pitlochry Festival Theatre would have been preparing for its summer season but with all productions
You have to let go of your plans and prioritise health and wellbeing. People are restless and you can feel it