FESTIVAL AROUND TOWN | Previews
FESTIVAL OF POLITICS Referendum-centric festival
‘A festival that places people at the centre of politics,’ is how the Scottish Parliament’s presiding officer Tricia Marwick MSP describes this year’s Festival of Politics, in which case it’s fitting that it will boldly reflect the event which people are all talki ng about – next month’s independence referendum. Over three days, an array of talks will explore various facets of the debate, from currency to EU membership to defence and the oil industry, all intended to be inclusive to each side of the debate.
There will also be a special showing of the National Theatre of Scotland’s revival of In Time O’ Strife, Joe Corrie’s Scots theatre classic about the impact of the 1926 General Strike upon a Fife mining community. ‘I’m a long-time admirer of Joe Corrie, a writer whose work is hugely undervalued in Scotland,’ says Marwick, a Fifer herself, ‘I’m delighted that he will finally be recognised in the debating chamber of our nation’s Parliament.’
Tony Hollingsworth’s film, One Humanity, will also screen, recalling the Nelson Mandela 70th
birthday tribute at Wembley Stadium and the International Tribute for a Free South Africa in 1990, a piece with extra significance given the role of Mandela’s legacy in the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. ‘We want people with different views to come together and ask ‘‘What Next for Scotland?’’’ says Marwick. ‘This year’s festival offers the perfect opportunity to listen to informed opinion and balanced debate on some of the big issues that have dominated the referendum campaigns so far.’ (David Pollock) ■ Scottish Parliament, 15–17 Aug, times and prices vary, festivalofpolitics.org.uk
CABARET OF DANGEROUS IDEAS Dangerously interesting debate
Between this and the early-afternoon Scottish independence talk show All Back to Bowie’s, the Stand in the Square is doing a good job of cornering the festival’s debating heart this year. Self-described as ‘debate, discussion and discourse in the company of some of the fiercest intellectuals Scotland has to offer’, the Cabaret features contributors from all of the city’s universities, as well as researchers from other walks of life. Although it makes an attention-grabbing headline, the ideas here aren’t so much dangerous as simply out of view, focusing on topics which the mainstream might not have otherwise chosen to debate. And yes, there are a few which might be regarded as opposing regularly received wisdom. For example, ‘Are We Wasting Your Data?’ (20 Aug) posits th at fewer restrictions on the sharing of personal data might have great benefits.
‘Keep the Kids Out!’ (16 Aug) wonders whether children are a nuisance in public spaces, while ‘Women! Science is Not for You?’ (14 Aug) looks at why women appear to be deserting the discipline. ‘Sex-Selective Abortions – Behind the Headlines’ (21 Aug), meanwhile, promises to be one of the more delicate subjects discussed. (David Pollock) ■ The Stand in the Square, 558 7272, until 25 Aug, 3.40pm, £5. See codi2014.beltanenetwork.org for full listings.
96 THE LIST FESTIVAL 14–25 Aug 2014
FIVE REASONS TO GO TO REFERENDUMFEST
Make up your own mind The Yes campaign plays on Braveheart sentiments about saving Scotland from the Auld Enemy, while the No voters are a bunch of land-owning, upper-class Tories, right? Separate fact from emotion at this five-day festival promising informed talks, debates and discussions to open up dialogues surrounding the future of Scotland.
The referendum gets interesting Bored with Salmond v Cameron? Hear some alternative takes on independence as an array of speakers, including poets and cultural commentators, take to the stage. Highlights include Kate Higgins examining what being Scottish means to twentysomethings, while Lesley Riddoch (pictured) explores what Scots want for their country’s future.
Have your say Want to contribute to the debate yourself? The organisers have promised ‘soapbox slots’, a strictly timed five-minute opportunity halfway through the event allowing any prearranged speaker, politician or citizen (you don’t have to be Salmond’s right-hand man to have an opinion) to take to the stage uninterrupted. Carpe diem.
Enjoy the intimate venues We’re all prone to a little stagefright and a venue capacity of 60 sounds big, but honestly, you’re not addressing the Scottish Parliament debating chamber. The Quaker Meeting House is, in its own words, ‘a calmer space for those who need it’, so no excuse for not getting stuck in.
Nail your facts Rest assured this is not a festival designed to add fuel to either fire, so come away armed with facts about both sides of the debate. Whatever happens on 18 September, it will affect the Scots, the English and many others. (Maud Sampson)
■ Quaker Meeting House, 220 6109, 18–22 Aug, 1.45pm, 3.30pm & 5.15pm, £3.