ONE of the most widely travelled Scottish theatre productions in recent years is on tour for the sixth time.
The Tailor Of Inverness has been performed around the world after premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2008 and winning multiple awards for its creator-performer Matthew Zajac.
In the one-man-show, Zajac plays two characters: himself and Matuesz Zajac, his father, born exactly a century ago this year.
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The Tailor Of Inverness tells the story of a boy who grew up on a farm in Galicia (then part of Poland, now in Western Ukraine) and how he came to be a tailor in the Scottish Highlands.
The journey he made was similar to many thousands during the Second World War, one involving forced displacement, military service and resettlement camps.
Though inspired by the story of his father, Zajac says his play has resonance with those affected by war everywhere and that it has particular relevance in the context of Brexit and anti-migrant rhetoric.
“Growing up, I always had the idea my father had led a very interesting life,” says Zajac, who has worked as an actor, producer and director in film, TV and radio for over 35 years.
“It wasn’t until I was 29, about 30 years ago, that I persuaded him to let me record some of our conversations about his life. I just had an idea that one day I might write something about him.
“He told me about his childhood and his life through the war and in Scotland ... I had about five hours of recordings. His story, although extraordinary, is not an uncommon one in families from Poland during the Second World War.”
Zajac only transcribed the recordings after his father’s death.
“I noticed there were a few inconsistencies in dates and times and that made me even more curious about his life,” says
Zajac. “When I was a child, we would go on holiday to Poland every couple of years, driving all the way from Inverness through the iron curtain. But I had never been to his birthplace.
“When I did eventually go, I met a couple of cousins of my father and an old lady whose father was around at the time. Though them I discovered that fundamental aspects of the story my father told me weren’t true.”
Zajac has written a book of the play, and a documentary by filmmaker Brian Ross awaits release. Audiences have a strong reaction to the story, Zajac says, with people returning to see it.
“It seems to have this universality to it,” he says. “Of how war affects people on a very basic level, and also because it’s very much a play about family secrets.”
Tonight [Saturday 13], Cumbernauld Theatre, 7.30pm, £10, £8 concs.
Apr 16, Portgordon Village Hall, 7.30pm, £10, £9 and £6 concs.
Apr 17, Tullynessie & Forbes Hall, 7.30pm, £6 to £10.
Apr 18, Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, 7.30pm, £9.90 to £15.40.
Apr 19, Johnshaven Village Hall, 7.30pm, £6 to £10.
Apr 20, The Webster Memorial Theatre, Arbroath, 7.30pm, £12.
Apr 21, The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, 7pm, £13.20.
Apr 24 to 26, Eden Court, Inverness, 7.30pm, £15.
Apr 27, Universal Hall, Findhorn, 8pm, £12, £8 and £10 concs.
Apr 29, Community Hall, Isle of Eigg, 8pm, price TBC on the door.
Apr 30, Astley Hall, Arisaig, 8pm, £10 and £8 concs.
May 3, Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock, 8pm, £12, £10 concs.
May 10 and 11, The Studio Potterow, Edinburgh, 7.30pm,
May 11 2.30pm mat, £12.
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