Highlights include Faust by National Theatre ‘Radu Stanca’ and Mabou Mines’
Peter & Wendy (below)
Setting the stage
As the curtain rises on this year's Edinburgh International Festival programme, Scottish themes take centre stage Words: Anna Millar
ll" artistic director. .lonathan Mills. rel‘errcd to the “menace and magic' of this year's festival programme. as he unveiled the highlights last week. In keeping with 2009's Homecoming celebrations the lidinhurgh International l‘estiyal launched works rich in Scottish
themes. while also boasting a roster of
global talent.
Mills explained that this year‘s line-up had in part been themed on the linlightenment in a hid to explore Scotland‘s identity on a world stage.
(‘lassical performances include a celebration of (ieorge l‘rideric llandel. with lltllitlc‘lK llic‘l‘c‘tlllilc‘ fur/(Ix .lluet'u/meus re- imagined for the Opening (‘oneert while elsewhere in the programme. \Velsh baritone Bryn 'l‘erl‘el makes a much-anticipated appearance. .\'e\ er short of spectacle. a Romanian adaptation of l-kmsr (pictured). showcasing a lid-person cast will also feature.
.-\\'ant-garde New York theatre company Mabou Mines. who enjoyed success in lidinburgh in 2007 with Doll/muse. return with a radical new version of Peter Pan. Peter and Wendy with other highlights
including a production ol‘ .lltlt'llt’I/I and Der
l'Tlt’th’lll/t’ HUI/(Illt/Ul‘.
Closer to home. other works include a collection of pieces by Scottish Ballet and a new adaptation oi‘ the l5‘)() text by the Renaissance Scottish writer Robert
llenryson. 'I‘lie 'Ies'lumenl of ('res‘s‘eitl. Across at the Lyceum. Rona Munro‘s The Last Hire/i tells the story of Janet Home. the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland. Produced by the Traverse Theatre. the piece will be directed by Traverse director Dominic Hill. who earned rave reviews last year for I’ler (iy'm.
Other highlights include a new version of
SI Kilt/(l. ls/uml oft/1e Bin/men. ln dance. one of the l’estival's hottest tickets is likely to he l‘enl'ant terrible Michael Clark. who returns to Scotland for the lirst time in 20 years with a new production. Elsewhere. the Royal Ballet ol‘ Flanders showcase The Return all ’ly's's'es.
Mike Rtissell. the new culture minister. commended the programme's ‘i‘irm roots and broad vision‘.
See www.eif.co.uk.
Noticeboard "
G L A S G OW ' S CONCERT HALLS has announced an International Classical Season from Oct 2009- May 2010. The programme will boast artists from all over the wond, with four concerts at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, two mini-series of chamber ensemble performances and solo recitals at City
Halls.
ZMANYDJS are
just one of the new names announced for this year’s TlTP jamboree. Soulwax’s DJ spin- off join the line-up for the Slam Tent on Sat 11 Jul, along with Green Velvet and Tiga. Elsewhere, Starsailor and The Dykeenies have been added to the bill, while La Roux joins the line-up for the Futures Stage on Sun 12 Jul.
C H A R l T Y does indeed begin at home following the announcement of Tartan Turns 2009, a night of showcase entertainment to raise money for Action Duchenne. Check it out at the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on Sun 12 Apr, 6.19pm.
BURNS DISCOVERY
I A rare book which belonged to Robert Burns has been discovered in Alloway. Museum Curator David Hopes and local volunteers were preparing over 2,000 books and 400 artefacts for preservation and restoration treatment when they came across a book which Burns co-edited called A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs. The discovery was made just as the current museum closes, and marks an important moment in the creation of the conservation charity's £21m Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. due to open in Alloway in summer 2010.
OUTSIDER LINE-UP ANNOUNCED
This year boasts the return of The Outsider (Sat 27-Sun 28 Jun) with Sharleen Spiteri headlining. Held at the Rothiemurcus Estate in Cairn orms National Parkt e festival comes complete with mu31c, conversation, classic film, comedy and cabaret.
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2—16 Apr 2009 THE LIST 7