Theatre Style: Gaelic theatre
Storytelling and folklore have been a part of Scottish Gaelic culture since its roots in Celtic times. Celtic culture was transmitted orally; history and facts were not written down but memorised in the form of verse. Theatrical dramatisations go hand in hand with this.
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Now the Scottish Arts Council, the Scottish Executive and other bodies are working together with Gaelic companies and communities themselves. Their aim is to develop the Gaelic language and culture.
At this time, the language and culture are undergoing 'remarkable revival' in education and business, as well as in the arts. Gaelic music and writing are flourishing, but what of Gaelic theatre? |
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‘Gaelic artists are increasingly collaborating with others such as Angus Farqhuar’s NVA, the Scottish Ensemble and the Traverse theatre in creating new works that draw on contemporary Gaelic culture as well as the Gaelic tradition.’
Scottish Arts Council's Gaelic Arts Policy
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Find out more about the Scottish Ensemble's work from a project about their 'Carnival', Supported by the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council. |
Events
A Fèis is an opportunity for individuals to come together to develop skills in the Gaelic arts - song, dance, drama, and traditional music on a wide range of instruments. The focus of activity for most Fèisean is an annual, week-long festival. Increasingly though, Fèisean offer a full programme of year-round follow-on classes to ensure sustained provision.
Fèisean nan Gàidheal is the independent umbrella association of the Fèis movement. The organisation offers grant-aid, training programmes, insurance, instrument-bank administration, published resources and many other services to its member Fèisean.
The Royal National Mod is a competition-based festival which celebrates the Gaelic language and culture through music, dance, drama, arts and literature. The Mod is held annually in October at a different location in Scotland. The Mod attracts visitors and competitors across the globe. It has evolved with changes in Gaelic education and arts, acting as an incentive to develop and refine talents in the public arena.
Theatre groups
Theatre Hebrides is a professional theatre company, producing in Gaelic as well as English.
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Read more about Theatre Hebrides in January's 'focus on' article. |
Tosg is a professional Scottish Gaelic touring theatre company. They are committed to nurturing new work, and offer the traditional as well as modern productions. Last month they completed a Scotland-wide tour of their production Coille na Ceilp (The Kelp Forest). Like previous productions, the play makes use of the traditional language and culture of the north. It uses tales, rhymes, songs and music to elaborate the dramatic narrative.
Cluicheadairean Dhùn Éideann (Edinburgh Gaelic Drama Group) are one of the community drama groups presenting Gaelic drama at National Mod Drama Finals, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and at various locations throughout Scotland for many years.
Puppetry has its part in Gaelic drama as well. Theatre Hebrides' previous productions have included large scale puppet theatre performances and projects, such as Am Bradan.
Theatre in Education
Meanbh-chuileag is the Theatre-in-education (TIE) wing of Feisean nan Gaidheal, and is currently the only TIE group in Scotland working in the medium of both English and Gaelic. Meanbh-chuileag, who officially began touring in 2002, has visited over 200 schools, performing roughly 150 plays a year and regularly staging drama and music workshops. They have recently enjoyed success with their version of The Seal Wife. They toured the production in Autumn 2004, giving children a memorable experience by introducing Gaelic words into the drama.
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Meanbh-Chuileag is supported by the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council. |
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