1936. In villages, towns and cities across Scotland, 549 lives of contrasting backgrounds, ideologies and religions are gradually intertwining. Spurred on by their burning passion for equality and freedom, they will form the Scottish ranks of the Spanish Civil War’s legendary International Brigade. Read more …
Based on a true story, this new play follows four miners from the streets of East Lothian to the valleys of Spain. They gave up everything they knew: for a land they did not know; for a people they had never met; and for a cause they believed was right.
Heartfelt, worthy.
The company have clearly tackled this important part of Scottish history seriously, but while it is already a success in audience terms, it doesn’t quite match the best of Scottish political theatre.
Raises some enduring questions about the horror of war, no matter how great the cause; and about whether contemporary politics offers struggles as well worth our commitment, even if they demand less blood.
This play doesn’t just want us to remember and respect our history, it’s a call to arms and a timely reminder to always fight for what you believe in.
Out of this comes a heartfelt tribute that’s full of warmth as it brings the fallen back to life to show the power of uniting against oppressive forces.
Cutting between austerity-hit East Lothian today and the battlefields of the 1930s anti-fascist volunteers, this gutsy play reveals the complexity of righteous crusading.
Though the production is spare, the shifts in timeframe and location are effectively rendered via Benny Goodman’s lighting designs and the energetic performances from the five-strong ensemble.
Admirable.
549: Scots of The Spanish Civil War is not only a reminder of the past, but it’s also a staunch punch to the gut that the issues we suffer today are not dissimilar to previous generations.
While 549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War isn’t a perfect piece of political theatre by any means, it does open up a number of interesting questions, particularly in relation to broader trends in telling stories—in theatre and other cultural forms—tinged with Scottish nationalism and a tendency to heroise historic figures almost to the point of caricature.
Spanish Civil War Scots who fought Franco to be honoured on stage
'We learn from history that we do not learn from history'.
On Tour, from Tuesday May 21, 2019, until Wednesday June 19, 2019.
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