Citizens Theatre, Glasgow: Wed 23 – Sat 26 March Macphail Theatre, Ullapool

This new play by Gaelic playwright Iain Finlay Macleod, which premieres at the Traverse Theatre launches a new development programme for Gaelic artists and work at the National Theatre of Scotland.

The production originated following discussion between writer Iain Finlay Macleod and Vicky Featherstone, Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Scotland, on the decline of the Gaelic language. Iain was then given a Writers Attachment with the Company in 2009 and was subsequently awarded a play-writing commission which sees this presentation of Somersaults as a platform performance during Reveal.

Cambridge graduate James (Tony Kearney) has it all: wealth, a beautiful wife Alison (Frances Grey), a swanky London flat. But when the creditors move in and his wife moves out, James suddenly finds he’s left with nothing. Nothing but words, and even they are starting to slip away. James’ father Sandy (Angus Peter Campbell) is dying – his last connection to his childhood, his upbringing and the language of his birth, Gaelic. With this link gone, James fears he will simply cease to exist.

Forced to confront his past and the conflict of identity within him, James explores the importance of language and how it defines who we are. Questions of identity, belonging and a sense of self are universal, no matter what language you speak.

Presented as a platform performance - a smaller scale production rehearsed over just two weeks enables audiences to share this evolving play and discover how it can further develop.

Iain Finlay Macleod, Writer, said: “Working with National Theatre of Scotland on a play about questions of language and identity has been one of the most interesting, revealing and stretching experiences I have had in theatre.

“The support and expertise of National Theatre of Scotland is exactly what Gaelic speaking theatre practitioners need to produce relevant, exciting work.”

As the Company continues to develop it seeks to appoint its first Gaelic Associate Artist. This Associate will work with the National Theatre of Scotland over 12 months to support the Company’s artistic planning, inform its Gaelic development programme and devise new personal artistic projects. Interested parties are encouraged to find out more/ download a Job Pack by visiting: www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/jobs
Vicky Featherstone, Artistic Director, National Theatre of Scotland, explains the motivation behind the Reveal Season: “It's time to pull back the curtains and invite audiences in to experience some of the work we have been developing at the National Theatre of Scotland. There is much in here about Scotland’s interest with the international world – plays from Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina in the A Play, A Pie and A Pint season as well as the ethical complexity of a person’s right to make decisions for other people explored in Girl X.”

For information about all the activities featured in the Reveal Season click here

3. The role of the National Theatre of Scotland Gaelic Associate Artist is made possible with the support of Bòrd na Gaidhlig.

Thu 10 – Sat 19 March at 7pm (not Mon 14)

Liz Smith – Press Office Somersaults

Email: daisy.ben@live.co.uk Telephone: 0141 423 4373 Mobile: 07971 417210
Press Images

Press images will be available for download from www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/press