Review: The Kist - Oran Mor, Glasgow ✭✭✭
As
Scotland readies for the Year of Homecoming in 2014, the Independence
referendum and with Disney Pixar's Brave opening next weekend, there's a
renewed interest in Scotland and what it means to be Scottish.
This
summer in Glasgow's Oran Mor, Fiona Kennedy's new production The Kist taps into
our unique heritage and brings it to life creating an experience of Scotland's
past woven together in a rich tapestry of song, poetry, the words of our
well-kent ancestors and the quieter family histories that tell of the struggle
to adjust in the New World whether it's America, Canada or, for some, Scotland.
It would
be easy to overlook the diversity and multi-culturalism of Scotland in 2012 to
focus on the experience of our own history as immigrants but The Kist also pays
homage to the migrants who have helped build modern Scotland.
Directed
by John Bett, the show brings to mind the local community gathering at an
occasion to share stories of their history, news and reminds us how letters
were relied on for news passing to / from the old and new worlds of migrant
Scots. Modern communication and romance is wittily sent up "Text ye &
she'll get back to you my lad" which begs the question where would Robert
Burns be if he was alive today? I'm not convinced 140 characters on Twitter
would do him justice.
With well-kent
traditional songs and contemporary music there is something for all the family
in this production. Fiona Kennedy leads the talented cast starring George
Drennan, James Muldoon, Rachel Oates, special guest Sophie Kennedy-Clark and
featuring future stars from JazzArtUK as well as the incredible 10 year old Ruairidh
Macdonald. Their soaring voices bring Scottish history to life with much of the
audience clapping their hands and tapping their feet.
Catch
this wonderful slice of Scottish heritage at Oran Mor, Glasgow before the kist
is packed up again on Sunday 5th August.
PERFORMANCES
Thurs 26 – Sat 28 July at 7.45pm
Sun 29 July at 3pm
Thurs 2 – Sat 4 August at 7.45pm
Sun 5 August at 3pm
Tickets: £15 / Sunday concessions are available: OAP £12, children under 16, £8.
Sun 29 July at 3pm
Thurs 2 – Sat 4 August at 7.45pm
Sun 5 August at 3pm
Tickets: £15 / Sunday concessions are available: OAP £12, children under 16, £8.
For more information visit: www.thekist.com
or follow them on twitter
