SCOTLAND’S largest rural performing arts festival has an international platform this year for the first time.
Combining an outdoor travelling stage, pop-up performances in unexpected locations and a digital programme packed with world-class artists, Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival is returning in a new format for over ten days this July. Starting on Friday (16th), there are 60 events blending music, theatre, dance, comedy and spoken word.
New director Melanie Purdie (below) told the Sunday National the festival would mark the start of the highly anticipated return to theatre, gigs and shows following the coronavirus lockdowns.
Purdie said the festival, which had to be cancelled last year because of the pandemic, was a “vital” component of the country’s arts calendar each year.
“Being able to return with an offering of both live performances in a safe environment and a digital programme for audiences to watch in the comfort of their own home is a great balance,” she said. “It’s new for us, and comes with its own challenges, but our small, strong and dedicated team are working hard to deliver the best experiences.”
She added it was “incredibly exciting and adventurous” to take on the leadership as society begins to reopen.
“It’s a time to experiment, rip up the rule book and develop new ideas, strands and models to engage audiences,” said Purdie.
This year’s theme is Hame’ll Dae Me, which she said was “a tribute to the burgeoning artists and world-class performers of the region and a celebration of its diverse culture”.
The programme includes a live stand up set from comedian Mark Nelson, a new album showcase from Smith & McClennan, a celebration of European music from The Firelight Trio, and a sneak peek into the world of emerging five piece band, The Lucky Doves.
The musical side of the programme features The Scottish Ensemble in a live online performance combining their trademark music for strings with reflections on how music can be used by people to feel better, and Uninvited Guests and Fuel will present Love Letters at Home, a night of song dedications and the stories attached to them with declarations of love, past and present.
In theatre, following a successful virtual tour of Scotland last month, Helen Milne Productions’ Distance Remaining will share the story of three lost souls making a break for freedom during the first lockdown and Vanishing Point and Brite Theater will present Deliverance, a show delivered straight to people’s doors.
Buskers & Fox and Hound in association with Annan Harbour will stage Lot 52 and Sea Shanties, a new play directed by award-winning Ken Gouge, which follows the story of a family leaving Annan Harbour in 1775 to sail to Nova Scotia in search of a better life. It is described as a story of resilience and fortitude that resonates with modern-day mass emigration.
In addition, Townsend Theatre Productions will perform The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – an enduring and entertaining classic story of Edwardian painters and decorators by Robert Tressell, which tells of their struggle for survival.
Meanwhile, Carolyn Yates will stage Gaze – a creative response to photographer Kim Ayres’ nude portraits of women over 50.
In partnership with local theatre company, Townsend Theatre Productions, the Talking Horse’s mobile outdoor venue will tour through the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, hosting artists from each community on its travelling stage. Each event day will present four live performances.
For the full programme, visit dgartsfestival.org.uk
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