On the road again: National Theatre of Scotland release 2022 line up

Scotland’s national theatre have announced their 2022 season, seeing the return of live touring both nationally and internationally.

New productions include those focusing on non-white Scottish history including Enough of Him, which tells the true story of  Joseph Knight, an African man brought to Scotland as an enslaved person by plantation owner John Wedderburn, who later challenged his status in court and James IV – Queen of the Fight, which follows the lives of two Moorish women brought to the court of James IV.

Alan Cumming also returns to National Theatre of Scotland with Burn, in a collaboration with award-winning choreographer, Steven Hogett. The dance theatre is inspired by the life and legacy of Robert Burns.

Adura Onashile will play the lead role in a new production of Liz Lochhead’s adaptation of Medea, nearly 20 years after it was first staged in Scotland.

National Theatre of Scotland will return to the stage in March with a new version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic gothic horror story, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, which will be staged before a live audience at Leith Theatre and also broadcast into cinemas.

Opening at the SEC Glasgow, Orphans, directed by Cora Bissett, is a darkly comic musical about family, grief and forgiveness and based on the much-loved cult film written by Peter Mullan.

Artistic Director of National Theatre of Scotland Jackie Wylie said:  “As we emerge from this pandemic that has shaken our world and the theatre industry, we want to create unforgettable bold theatre experiences for audiences to immerse themselves in.

“We believe that theatre can help us navigate some of the burning issues of our times.

“We are working with brilliant artists, telling urgent stories about identity, politics and power, grief and family, and compelling new narratives about important characters in Scottish history and literature who can help define our sense of self and nationhood.

“We asked ourselves what Scotland needs from its National Theatre at this moment in time and we have created a programme in response to this challenge.

“We are working with as many freelancers, production crews and technicians as possible through the creation of large-scale works.

© Megan McEachern

“This community is in urgent need for a return to regular employment and the opportunity to showcase their immense creative skills. We are touring as widely as possible to theatre venues across the country, to support the infrastructure of theatre in Scotland.

“We are continuing our digital presence, to increase access to our work whilst innovating with large scale hybrid theatrical screen projects.”

Scottish Government Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “I’m delighted to see the National Theatre of Scotland unveil such an exciting array of performances across the country as they go back into theatres in front of live audiences.

“In particular Burn, the dance theatre co-production with New York’s Joyce Theatre about the life of Robert Burns and starring Alan Cumming will be a must see event at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival.

“This is one of a range of new partnerships the National Theatre of Scotland have formed, including those with other art forms such as film and digital, to increase audience access and engagement this year.”

To see the 2022 programme in full visit: nationaltheatrescotland.com