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Festival funding for 'Caledonia'
17/03/2010
The world premiere of 'Caledonia', a new work by the National Theatre of Scotland (NTS), will feature at this year's Edinburgh International Festival (EIF).
A co-production between the EIF and NTS, 'Caledonia' explores the Darien scheme - the attempt to establish a Scottish trading colony at Darien (now part of Panama) in the 1690s.
The production is receiving £200,000 from the Scottish Government's Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund, which supports new work by Scottish-based talent at all the Edinburgh Festivals.
'Caledonia', by political writer Alistair Beaton, is directed by award-winning Scottish director Anthony Neilson.
Speaking at today's launch of the EIF programme, Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said:
"With the involvement of Alistair Beaton and Anthony Neilson, there is no doubt 'Caledonia' will be a bold and powerful exposition of the Darien venture.
"Now in its third year, the Scottish Government's Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund continues to provide opportunities for exciting and innovative programming, helping to showcase Scotland's creative talent by supporting ambitious projects at all of Edinburgh Festivals.
"The strength of that talent is clear for all to see, with an estimated 700 Scottish-based artists participating in this year's International Festival."
Edinburgh International Festival Director Jonathan Mills said:
"The Scottish Government's Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund is an important and valuable initiative. For the third consecutive year we are working with one of Scotland's great national companies, giving an international platform to a new production which receives its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival.
"The Darien venture is a key moment in Scotland's history, and a dramatically rich chapter for Alistair Beaton and Anthony Neilson to explore. I am sure 'Caledonia' is set to be one of this year's most talked about shows."
The Scottish Government's Expo Fund of £6 million over three years (2008-09 to 2010-11) is available to all 12 Edinburgh Festivals to support the development of Scottish-based work.