‘NVA DOESN'T NEED A WORD LIKE "THEATRE" TO EXPLAIN IT'
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Grave messages
Steve Cramer talks to Angus Farquhar of NVA about an event on an ancient rural burial site
1 doesn‘t take long in conversation with Angus
l‘arquhar to realise that he's not a great fan of Time
limit. The artistic supremo of NVA has. for a good few years now. presided over a succession of multi arts projects. which might sit as comfortably under the banners of music or visual art as under theatre. exploring light. sound. history. ideology and performance in equal measure. His latest project in collaboration with the National 'l'hcatre of Scotland. Ila/l~ life. sees the preparation of a swathe of the Scottish countryside. Kilmartin (ilen. for a unique :Il’lls‘llL‘ event.
What attracted l’arquhar to the site was its centrality to an ancient civilisation that existed between 4000 and 5000 years ago. in the middle of which is a mighty burial ground. Archaeologists have played a major role in developing the work. but not. liarquhar is at pains to stress. the kind who appear on television and project our current ideological obsessions upon the past. "l‘here are these trite big shows on television. but there is a whole strand of radical thinking going on in archaeology at the moment which is every hit as interesting as what‘s going on in quantum mechanics.‘ l’arquhar explains.
l‘arquhar hopes that this landscape. upon which he‘ll intervene with lighting and sound design. as well as theatre. will be as instructive about all
civilisations as about this particular one. ‘The belief
systems were radically different from what they are today. Looking at the landscape. questioning it. might begin as a theoretical exercise. but it goes on to beginning to unpick what is valuable in our culture. as well as unmasking many beliefs that we have about
things like death. just for a start. that perhaps aren‘t necessarily of value to us.~ he says. ‘lt‘s not saying that these past people had better or worse values than us. but this was a highly sophisticated culture. which
was doing what you and I do. trying to make sense of
the world.'
In the theatre aspect of the event. liarquhar is working with Mark Murphy. formally of Vtol. on a drama that incorporates the multifaceted landscape. "l‘he show is this very intense exploration of the character of this archaeologist who‘s had an obsession with this landscape for 20 years. His partner (‘laire and their daughter 'l‘essa are all on the landscape. but each sees it in a very different way. liach also deals with death and loss in their lives. We‘re able to look at death now. and look as well at the landscape and how death was dealt with 5000 years ago.‘ says l‘arquhar.
So what do we make of a project which incorporates walking in forests (one can choose as many or few of the IS odd paths available as one wishes. in any order) with visual art. music and soundscape'.’ "The good thing about NVA is that we don't need a word like "theatre" to explain it.~ he says. ‘We Use up to 20 or 30 artists from different disciplines in each project. What‘s most interesting about it is people‘s sense of ownership of each event — our input comes later. Listening to people describe previous projects is fascinating. because each person brings themselves to each project. making it their own show.‘
Kilmartin Glen, Tue 4-Sun 16 Sep
Theatre
Hit
THE BEST THEATRE & DANCE
* Subway Vanishing Point's splendid fringe hit begins its tour, complete with a strong Kosovan band and two stand- out performances. The story of a young man's role in a revolution starting in Leith 15 years in the future. this piece is full of comedy, drama and food for thought. All in all, it is a smart. stylish production. Tron, Glasgow. until Sat 8 Sep, then touring
It The Car Man Matthew Bourne is back. this time with a new version of Bizet's Carmen set to dance. Expect all the vibrancy. colour and passion of the original, combined with Boume’s sure contemporary touch. And his long-term lead man Andre Vincent is this time joined by Aberdonian dancer James Leece. Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue11—Sat 15 Sep, then toun‘ng.
* lull Ute: Journey Into the Noollflnlc See preview. left. Kilmartin Glen, Argyll, until Sun 16 Sep.
* W Dance Thom Janet Smith’s exciting young company begins a new season of contemporary dance - and its 21st anniversary tour - with two world premieres of new work by Liv Lorent mixed with more established pieces. Several of these pieces have political themes. Dundee rep, 777a 13-Sat 15 Sep. 1 * You“ Icon David Greig's play about two troubled teenagers on the run from in their home town is moving,
‘- 7. '32:, ' THE LIST 77