 Theatre takes a punch
THERE has been a rash of articles in response to the news that the arts are due to take a financial hit in the UK government's programme of cuts. It is possible the Scottish government will be more restrained in its budget slashing, but possibly not: it has told the national companies, including the National Theatre of Scotland (pictured in rehearsal for Beatiful Burnout, pic: Johan Persson), to explain how they would be affected by cuts of 3%, 7% or 10% in time for the spending review in November. Cuts are depressing in themselves, but equally dispiriting are many of the comments readers have posted online. There have been level-headed commentaries in the Scotsman by Joyce McMillan ("For a modest public investment . . . the cultural sector in Scotland routinely delivers levels of prestige, publicity, and image-changing power that no global advertising campaign could begin to equal") and, in the Guardian, by Daniel Bye ("the arts are affordable and the arts are profitable"), Lee Hall ("Art is not an add-on, it never has been"), Polly Toynbee ("What is the 'big society' if not arts for everyone?") and, more contentiously, Mark Ravenhill ("Let's make each development department into a small business") countered by Colin Tweedy ("Career opportunities grow largely because of 'backroom' work"). What is alarming, however, are the number of readers who advocate an end to arts funding altogether, believing the sector would thrive perfectly well in a free market. So common is this opinion that you wonder why some people feel so alienated from the arts and why artists have been unsuccessful in making them think otherwise. Join in the debate here.  Evans be praised
THE winner of the competition to be the first National Theatre of Scotland photographer in residence in association with the Sunday Herald has been decided. Joining the NTS in the next fortnight is Gavin Evans who just so happens to be signed up to shoot the production shots for August's Beautiful Burnout as well. His prize is a 12-month contract, a £5000 fee and behind-the-scenes access to NTS productions. Some of his pictures will be published in the Sunday Herald and be included in an exhibition next year to celebrate the company’s first five years. Pictured is his image of De La Guarda in a tent in Buenos Aires (commissioned by LIFT). His blog is here. theatreSCOTLANDDUE to festivals beyond our control, it's unlikely you'll be seeing this newsletter for the next few weeks. Normal service will be resumed by September. Chat can continue on the separate email discussion group, however. To join the discussion follow this link and look for the option to "apply for membership". OPENING SOONEdinburgh Festival Fringe, Aug 6–30 Edinburgh International Festival, Aug 13–Sep 5 LAST CHANCE TO SEETwelfth Night, Bard in the Botanics, Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, Jul 14–31 Titus Andronicus, Bard in the Botanics, Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, Jul 20–31 |  | |
|  27 July 2010 The Guardian
By William Inge. A Pitlochry Festival Theatre review.  17 June 2010 The Guardian
By Tom Stoppard. A Pitlochry Festival Theatre review.  15 June 2010 The Guardian
By Cole Porter. A Pitlochry Festival Theatre review.  10 June 2010 Northings
By Michael Frayn. A Pitlochry Festival Theatre review. |
