WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The British Council, the UK's international organization for cultural relations, is partnering with New York's St. Ann's Warehouse and the Scottish Government to support the East Coast premiere of the National Theatre of Scotland's Black Watch, an award-winning piece of theater that deals sensitively with one of the most challenging social and political issues of our time -- the homecoming of soldiers involved in the current Iraq conflict.
Hurtling from a pool room in Fife to an armored wagon in Iraq, Black Watch is based on recent interviews conducted by acclaimed Scottish playwright Gregory Burke with former soldiers who served in Iraq. Viewed through the eyes of those on the ground, Black Watch reveals what it means to be part of the legendary Scottish regiment, what it means to be part of "the war on terror" and what it means to make the journey home again. John Tiffany's production makes powerful and inventive use of movement, music and song to create a visceral, complex and urgent piece of theater.
"Black Watch sheds light on one of the most complicated subjects currently sparking debate in both the United Kingdom and the United States," said Sharon Memis, director of the British Council USA. "In addition to being an outstanding example of contemporary Scottish drama, Black Watch offers the opportunity to think critically about our attitudes toward war and the military, the possibilities of intercultural dialogue and the unique relationship between the US and the UK."
Black Watch also serves as the catalyst for British Council Conversations, energetic public events engaging leading experts from the media, military and the arts with thematic issues arising from the work. On October 25, Joshua Fouts of the University of Southern California Center on Public Diplomacy will moderate On the Ground, a post-performance discussion at St. Ann's Warehouse featuring Joshua Casteel, a US Army veteran previously stationed in Iraq; Howard LaFranchi, an Iraq correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor; and Black Watch director John Tiffany.
"Art is a key vehicle for nations to express themselves, as well as to lay the groundwork for dialogue and engagement around potentially difficult issues," said Memis. "In the case of Black Watch, the play offers a platform to examine the unique relationship between the US and the UK, as well as the key social issues that both unite and divide us."
Black Watch is playing at St. Ann's Warehouse from October 20 to November 11 as part of the debut of the National Theatre of Scotland in the United States. The production has won some of the most prestigious theater honors in the UK, including the South Bank Show Theatre Award and a Scotsman Fringe First. Black Watch was also the winner of four 2006-2007 Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland: Best Director, Best Production, Best Ensemble and Best Technical Presentation.
ABOUT THE BRITISH COUNCIL: The UK's international organization for educational and cultural relations, the British Council builds long-term relationships between the US and the UK and fosters appreciation of the UK's creative ideas and achievements.
We increase recognition of the wide array of learning opportunities available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and facilitate educational cooperation between the US and UK. Through transatlantic artistic partnerships, we introduce the American public to high-quality, groundbreaking creative achievements from the UK, and our science programs build networks that draw upon the UK's innovation in climate change and other disciplines. We also develop initiatives that give a voice to the next generation of leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, encouraging them to work together to explore solutions to current and future global issues. For more information, please visit http://www.britishcouncil.org/usa.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND: "It is not hyperbole to say that the National Theatre of Scotland is one of the most exciting things to have happened in British arts this decade" - The Financial Times
Since its launch in February 2006, the National Theatre of Scotland has been involved in creating more than 53 productions in over 88 different locations. With no building of its own, the Company takes theatre all over Scotland and beyond, working with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theatre of the highest quality. It takes place in the great buildings of Scotland, but also in site-specific locations, airports and tower blocks, community halls and drill halls, ferries and forests.
Scottish theatre has always been for the people, led by great performances, great stories and great playwrights. The National Theatre of Scotland exists to build a new generation of theatre-goers as well as reinvigorating the existing ones; to create theatre on a national and international scale that is contemporary, confident and forward-thinking; to bring together brilliant artists, designers, composers, choreographers and playwrights; and to exceed expectations of what and where theatre can be. For more information, please visit http://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/.
ABOUT ST. ANN'S WAREHOUSE: For over 27 years, St. Ann's Warehouse has commissioned, produced and presented an eclectic body of innovative productions that meet at the intersection of theater and rock and roll. Since 2001, the organization has helped vitalize the emerging Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood of DUMBO, where St. Ann's Warehouse at 38 Water Street has become one of New York City's most important and compelling live performance destinations. Through its signature multi-artist concerts and ground-breaking music and theater collaborations, St. Ann's continues to celebrate the panoramic traditions of American and world cultures, with forays into contemporary forms including new commissions and multi-disciplinary theatrical presentations.
British Council
