SCOTTISH actor Alan Cumming is set to co-create and star in a brand new one-man show about the life of Robert Burns.
BURN will be choreographed by Olivier award-winner Steven Hoggett and will delve into the real life of Scotland’s national bard.
It will showcase his time in poverty, his mental health struggles and his success.
It will also feature the music of composer Anna Meredith with visual set and video design by Ana Ines Jabares Pita and Lewis den Hertog.
Cumming said Burns had always fascinated him.
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“I think all any artist wants to do is tell a story,” he said. “And If I have one regret in my artistic life it would be that I did not become a dancer and be able to tell a story completely, with my entire body.
"Robert Burns has always fascinated me. Through his work I feel he tells us the absolute truth of who we are as Scots, but the more I researched him the more I realised I didn’t know the absolute truth of him.
"BURN is my attempt at trying to tell more of his story using my whole body.”
The news follows the announcement of the National Theatre of Scotland’s 2022 programme.
The theatre body announced a raft of new plays, musicals - including digital works - and schemes to help artists and those in the industry get back on their feet after a tough two years through lockdown.
Among the other shows hitting Scotland’s theatres will be a new musical adaption of the cult Scottish hit Orphans.
A musical adaption of Orphans will star Robert Florence
The film, directed by Peter Mullan, received widespread critical praise on its 1998 release.
Corra Bissett will direct the dark comedy while Burnistoun’s Robert Florence is set to star. The musical will hit the SEC in Glasgow before touring in Edinburgh and Inverness.
Scots can also expect to see new shows Enough of Him, James IV, Exodus and Medea touring theatres.
Jackie Wylie, artistic director and CEO of the National Theatre of Scotland, said: “As we emerge from this pandemic that has shaken our world and the theatre industry, we want to create unforgettable bold theatre experiences for audiences to immerse themselves in. We believe that theatre can help us navigate some of the burning issues of our times.
“We are working with brilliant artists, telling urgent stories about identity, politics and power, grief and family, and compelling new narratives about important characters in Scottish history and literature who can help define our sense of self and nationhood.
“We asked ourselves what Scotland needs from its National Theatre at this moment in time and we have created a programme in response to this challenge."
New play Exodus aims to ridicule systems of power
Wylie said the National Theatre of Scotland are working with as many freelancers, production crews and technicians as possible "through the creation of large-scale works".
She continued: "This community is in urgent need for a return to regular employment and the opportunity to showcase their immense creative skills.
“We are touring as widely as possible to theatre venues across the country, to support the infrastructure of theatre in Scotland.
“We are focussing on affecting cultural change, making positive social impacts and creating a sense of belonging, with a series of programme initiatives including a far-reaching new Artists Residency programme; five new company-wide jobs with the kickstart scheme; a new steering group to build long lasting relationships with the strong South Asian community in Scotland; a renewed partnership with National Autistic Society Scotland as well as a continued focus on creative engagement and our work in schools and across education.
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“Theatre as a live art form is uniquely placed in how it can evolve in form to connect deeply with its audience. Scottish theatre-makers and artists have embraced language, genre and experimentation to explode compelling stories and characters onto our stages - satire, comedy, horror, musical theatre, Scots, aerial performance, tragedy, spectacle, dance and poetry all have their moment in our 2022 programme. We hope you will return safely to your local theatre to join us for an evening or afternoon of theatrical magic and belonging.”
Scottish Government Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “I’m delighted to see the National Theatre of Scotland unveil such an exciting array of performances across the country as they go back into theatres in front of live audiences.
"In particular Burn, the dance theatre co-production with New York’s Joyce Theatre about the life of Robert Burns and starring Alan Cumming will be a must see event at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival.
“This is one of a range of new partnerships the National Theatre of Scotland have formed, including those with other art forms such as film and digital, to increase audience access and engagement this year.”
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