IN ASSOCIATION WITH
The best part about being a student is having your mind opened to new ways of
thinking. But who’s to say that has to end when you leave the classroom or the library? Scotland is a cornucopia for arts and culture through the year, from visual art to dance and everything in between, so there’s always something going on that will enlighten
you. Here’s our pick of the best cultural goings-on across the next few months
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SCOTTISH BALLET: SONICA
PAISLEY HALLOWEEN SCOTTISH QUEER
WIGTOWN BOOK
FESTIVAL
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
C u l t u r a l
THE CRUCIBLE Having probably encountered Arthur Miller’s 1950s play on your English or Drama syllabus, this is one not to be missed. Scottish Ballet have adapted the thinly veiled critique of McCarthyism under the guise of the Salem Witch Trials into a chilling modern dance piece, which premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival in August to widespread critical acclaim. Glasgow, Wed 25–Sat 28 Sep; Aberdeen, Thu 3–Sat 5 Oct.
Back for its fifth edition, Glasgow’s cutting-edge international arts festival from art-house Cryptic crosses the boundaries of music, theatre, visual and electronic art. It showcases installations and performances from Scottish talent, as well as international artists. The 2019 festival will open with a one-off immersive audiovisual work, Aether (pictured), by musician and scientist Max Cooper and the Architecture Social Club. Glasgow, Thu 31 Oct–Sun 10 Nov.
Head to Paisley at Halloween for this annual commemoration of the macabre. This year they’ve chosen a creepy circus theme and the Friday will involve the streets being taken over by a sinister outdoor circus, complete with street theatre and aerial performers. For the Saturday, a circus parade, choreographed by Cirque Bijou, will transform the town with animated puppets and spooktacular characters. Glasgow, Fri 25-Sat 26 Oct.
FESTIVAL Learn about the best of queer cinema from around the globe at the event that gets people watching, talking and making more queer films. Last year featured work like Leilah Weinraub’s Shakedown (pictured) and this year the festival kicks off with an shorts evening, shining a light on the LGBTQIA+ community and activism with Adam and the Alphas and Bodies Like Oceans among others. Glasgow, Wed 2–Sun 6 Oct.
Scotland’s National Book Town has played host to a celebration of literature in all its forms for ten days every year since 1999. It’s a small and intimate festival that punches well above its weight in attracting the biggest authors to its programme. The likes of Kerry Hudson (pictured), William Clegg, Leila Aboulela and Catherine Simpson will make an appearance to discuss their work. Wigtown, Fri 27 Sep– Sun 6 Oct
C a l e n d a r 1 Sep–31 Oct 2019 THE LIST 107