LIST.CO.UK/FESTIVAL
F e s t i v a l
Noticeboard
NEWS • GOSSIP • OPINION One Thousand ond One Nights is likely to be a highlight of year’s EIF
First Nights
As the International Festival raises its curtain, we look beyond the performances to the talks programme
T he Fringe may be half-way through, but the EIF is simply getting started. As well as a programme bursting with performances – from opera, dance, live music and theatre – do not miss their cleverly selected talks season at The Hub. Top tips include hearing One Thousand and One Nights (pictured) director Tim Supple in conversation with Korean specialist Dr Michael Shin and Bollywood expert Dr Rachel Dwyer, as they explore the cultural impact of partitions on
nations (Wed 31 August, 2.30pm). Other highlights include director Stephen Earnhart talking about The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, based on the best-selling novel by List favourite Haruki Murakami (Mon 22 August, 5pm). One Thousand and One Nights, Royal Lyceum Theatre, 473, 2000, 21 Aug–3 Sep (not 22, 24, 26, 29 Aug, 1 Sep), times vary, £10–£36. For full programme information see eif.co.uk.
Festival Noticeboard {FRONT}
FOR NON-FEST NEWS SEE PAGE 89
5 Things. . . WEATHER Embrace the elements – the clouds are here to stay
1 Cabin Fever This show seems to
have been made for a thunderstorm – all the more effective with rain pounding on its roof in a Pleasance hut then.
2 Allotment We wouldn’t have plants without rain, as the ladies of Nutshell theatre
remind us with a dark comedy set on director Kate Nelson’s own allotment in Inverleith Park.
3 You Once Said Yes Disorienting
outdoor experience in which individual spectators are
whisked through Edinburgh for a series of bizarre encounters.
4 The Tour Guide Don’t you
wonder why so many tourists opt for the open-top tour bus?
Get the experience for yourself, albeit with a darkly comic conductor.
5 Blood and Roses There
couldn’t be a better setting for this tale of family mysteries, love stories and witchcraft than the grey stones of the city’s forgotten spots.
OVERHEARD IN EDINBURGH
‘That Simon Cowell, off the X-Factor, is in some play about Tescos.’ As discussed on the number 22 bus going up Leith Walk. Eh, no love. That bloke Simon Callow is in a show – and the show in question is the rather lovely Tuesday at Tescos.
18–25 Aug 2011 THE LIST 11
F E S T I V A L