Fèisean nan Gàidheal are delighted to be able to provide an exciting development opportunity for young Gaelic actors through their new project Dràma air Chuairt (Gaelic Dràma Trail). The project is based on the highly successful Ceilidh Trail model, but with four young actors, instead of musicians, getting the opportunity to learn a wide range of drama skills before they embark on a short tour of the Highlands and Argyll.
The four young actors who successfully auditioned for the project are; Norman Macleod, Josie Campbell, Amina Davidson and David Mackenzie. To begin with the group will spend a fortnight in Inverness preparing for the tour with director Catriona Lexy Campbell. As part of this they will develop their acting abilities through a number of drama workshops before going on tour with a play newly written by Catriona Lexy.
Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s Development Manager, Calum Alex Macmillan said; “We are very pleased to launch Dràma air Chuairt and are indebted to the project funder, Bòrd na Gàidhlig. We have been involved in Gaelic drama development for a number of years through the work of the Fèisean, school workshops, theatre in education performances and the Drama Summer School but we were aware that there very few opportunities for young Gaelic actors to be acting and performing beyond this. This project provides them with an opportunity to work with an excellent actress and writer. We hope it provides them the confidence they need to become more involved with Gaelic drama, in their own communities but also if they wish to go on to become professional actors”.
David Boag, Director of Language Planning & Community Developments at Bòrd na Gàidhlig, added “Fèisean nan Gàidheal are recognised as a leading body for the work they have done throughout the years with young people and for their promotion of Gaelic in communities across the country through the Fèisean and the Blas Festival. They have a great knowledge of developing drama skills amongst young people and through Dràma air Chuairt these young actors will have have the opportunity to work with professionals like Catriona Lexy Campbell and the drama group Theatre Gu Leòr. In addition to the new drama skills and knowledge they will acquire, Dràma air Chuairt also provides the participants with the opportunity to develop their language skills and Bòrd na Gàidhlig are very happy to support this project”.
Catriona Lexy Campbell, director and writer of ‘Clach na Nathrach’ (The Adder’s Stone), said “I am so pleased to be working Fèisean nan Gàidheal with this project and the new play ‘Clach na Natrhach’. Throughout this project the young actors have a great opportunity to develop their acting skills, learning about how a professional theatre tour works and also how they can deliver drama workshops themselves. Theatre Gu Leòr are also pleased to offer these young actors a further CPD opportunity as part of our own project ‘Cèilidh’”.
The play is light-hearted, funny and supernatural, telling the story of Coinneach who has always believed that he should have the second sight, but it never comes to him. When he discovers the adder’s stone he gains great power and success. With this great power, however, comes great trouble and Coinneach must choose between his new found abilities and the love of his life.
Following the training and rehearsals, the participants will take to the road between 5-9 September, delivering workshops and performances in Dingwall Academy, Portree High School and Oban High school. There will be two public performances of the play as part of the Blas Festvial: Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on Wednesday 6 September at 1pm and the Glen Mhòr Hotel, Inverness on Saturday 9 September at 1pm.
For more information about Dràma air Chuairt visit feisean.org/dac and for information about the public performances visit blas-festival.com or phone Calum Alex Macmillan on 01463 225559.
