Listen
USA first for National Theatre
11/06/2007
For the first time ever, the National Theatre of Scotland (NToS) will tour America to showcase two highly acclaimed performances, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government.
The NToS will take the award winning 'Black Watch' and 'The Wolves in the Walls' to New York and Los Angeles this autumn. The Scottish Government has awarded £195,000 from the International Touring Fund.
Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani said:
"This is a significant first for the National Theatre of Scotland, showcasing Scottish talent Stateside with the help of funding from the Scottish Government.
"Scotland has world-class artists who deserve to be recognised and that is why I'm delighted that these two powerful performances - Black Watch and The Wolves in the Walls - will be enjoyed by an international audience.
"These tours of New York and Los Angeles will boost Scotland's international image and attract new audiences to Scottish cultural life."
Vicky Featherstone, chief executive of NToS, said:
"The National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to be able to take these two pieces of very different theatre to an audience beyond Scotland. In order for us to justify our national status it is vital that we create work which as well as communicating to audiences at home, has a universal appeal. It is an honour that in our first year, among others, these two pieces have been singled out and are receiving such support from our partners at the Scottish Government, the British Council and in the US to make this happen."
The National Theatre of Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and is Scotland's first ever National Theatre, working with the best Scottish actors, directors and theatre companies.
The tour dates for each production are:
The Wolves in the Walls - New Victory Theatre, New York: October 5 - 21, 2007.
Black Watch - Freud Theatre, UCLA Live, Los Angeles: September 18 - October 14, 2007 and St Ann's Warehouse, New York: October 20 - November 11, 2007.
The Scottish Government has agreed to contribute £195,000 from the International Touring Fund which aims to help the National Performing Companies spread the message of Scotland's cultural confidence and ambition. The British Council has also financially supporeted Black Watch.