2010 Brochure by UniversalArts

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2010 5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;29 August New Town Theatre Venue 7 www.universalartsfestival.com

Herald Archangel Award-winner 2009 Universal Arts are a crucial part of the fabric of the Fringe, bringing music, theatre and dance from all over the world The Herald

Welcome to the 2010 Universal Arts

festival programme

Universal Arts Team Tomek Borkowy Artistic Director Laura Mackenzie Stuart Managing Director

This is our 21st Festival Fringe and during all those years we have introduced to Edinburgh audiences literally thousands of artists from around the world. We have brought companies from more than 50 countries, making audiences laugh and cry but always providing a first-rate theatre experience.

Sarah Robinson Operations and Front-of-House Manager

Once again we invite you to our New Town Theatre, possibly the most beautiful festival venue in town, to enjoy intelligent comedy, drama, musicals and music. We have something for youngsters and adults, connoisseurs and novices, eager fans and casual visitors. We present only professional companies who, this year, come from China, Czech Republic, India, Russia, Spain and the UK.

Trish McGuinness Press Manager

Join Rodney Bewes in his boat, meet Pip Utton’s Dickens, laugh with Rainer Hersch’s Victor Borge or see a high-octane rock musical based on classical music. We bring you passionate flamenco from Seville, a love story from St Petersburg, laughter form Prague, jazz from Mumbai and exuberant sounds from southwest China. This year we will look after you even better than ever with two comfortable bars, one fitted into the marble foyer and the second in the oak panelled Mysterious, where you can enjoy a drink during some shows. Finally, we invite you to a truly special birthday celebration at Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre (venue150): Boguslaw Schaeffer, Poland's most prolific composer, playwright and philosopher is eighty years old. For just four performances, he will be joined onstage by the Polish National Radio Orchestra, a jazz quartet, electronic soloist, and actors performing his play 'A Multimedia Thing'. A selection of his drawings and graphic designs can be seen in the main Foyer at EICC. There’s more detail about all the shows along with our latest news stories on our website and you can also keep up-to-date with our news and get links to press coverage by joining us on Facebook. (www.facebook.com/pages/Universal-Arts/330806942825)

Richard Bell Production and Technical Manager Chris Lord Communications Manager

Judith Procter Promoters’ Centre Manager Martyna Dargiewicz Bar Manager Tomasz Kowol Web Master www.tommedia.co.uk Design: Emma Quinn. Brochure printed on paper from sustainable sources by Forward Graphics, Glasgow.

We are grateful to all our partners and supporters without whom we would be unable to produce the programme. Thanks to: The Grand Lodge of Scotland and especially Mr David Begg and Mr Clark Wilson; Spotlight, the stage and screen casting directory who, once again, provide a Promoters' Centre for visiting producers and directors; Mr Tomasz Trafas, Polish Consul General; the Adam Mickiewicz Institute; the Polish Cultural Institute; the Confucius Institute for Scotland; ETC and Stage Electrics for ensuring that our international companies have access to the best technical equipment and skills development; Euro Business Solutions for supporting our Box Office and communications; and Xerox Office Solutions for supporting our communications.

We wish you a most fantastic Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2010.

Tomek Borkowy and the Universal Arts Team

>www.universalartsfestival.com >0131 226 0000

2Landa (Czech Republic)

The White Dalmatian (in English) An exciting, emotional and enlightening journey for children and parents. A spotted Dalmatian is the fabulous new toy in the box and loved by all the other toys. But, the old Witch is jealous and magics away his spots! Everybody is sad and helpless. His new friends the toys say ‘We have an idea, lets go to Fairyland where everything is possible’. So, all the toys go on a journey full of surprising adventures in search of the White Dalmatian’s spots... The biggest selling children’s musical ever to be produced in the Czech Republic, it’s directed by the award-winning Mirjam Landa. The audience can expect a witty but also moving story of friendship, joy and sorrow with the moral of helping others. NEW TOWN THEATRE: MAJESTIC Dates

August 5 – 29 (not 17)

Times

11:45 (1 hour)

Tickets August 5 – 6 preview £6; Mon – Fri £10 (£8), child £6, family £28*; Sat & Sun £11 (£9), child £7, family £29.50* *Family ticket only available at New Town Theatre

>www.universalartsfestival.com >0131 226 0000

The Confucius Institute presents Guizhou Ethnic Arts Ensemble (China)

Rhythm of the Drums: Song of the Cicada Exuberant drumming, dramatic dance, heartfelt singing, and glorious ethnic costumes in a spectacular show by this multi-award-winning music and dance troupe from the minority Dong and Miao peoples of southwest China. From the Wood Drum Dance of the Miao people – known as ‘oriental disco’ for its frenetic movements – to the ethereal beauty of the love songs of the Dongzu; 16 performers in stunning headdresses, amazing jewellery and playing ethnic instruments enthral, delight and reveal the rich cultural heritage, as practiced today, in their remote mountain homes. www.confuciusinstitute.ac.uk/fringe2010 NEW TOWN THEATRE: MAJESTIC Dates

August 5 – 23 (not 8, 11, 18)

Times

13:40 (1 hour)

Tickets

August 5 & 6 preview £6; Mon – Thurs £10 (£8) family £30; Fri – Sun £12 (£10), family £35

>www.universalartsfestival.com >0131 226 0000

Teatr Praga (Poland)

More Light Please (in English)

Three Men in a Boat Adapted by and starring Rodney Bewes (UK) The opening line? 'There were four of us!' As a one-man show …? Original Likely Lad Rodney Bewes sets his adaptation in Jerome K Jerome's study some years after the famous book was written. He recalls the japes, scrapes and narrow escapes with George, Harris and dog, Montmorency, telling of Harris losing 40 people at Hampton Court Maze, the unopenable tin of pineapple and the awful shortage of mustard. ‘his audience adores him…his delivery is so natural and appealing that it seems entirely spontaneous.’ The List ‘restores something of the music-hall origin… delicious’ ★★★★ The Scotsman rodneybewes3meninaboat.co.uk

Written by Natalia Kostrzewa & Jerzy Lach Directed by Jerzy Lach Performed by Natalia Kostrzewa Music by The Tiger Lillies Based on the experiences of the co-writer and performer, this funny and touching, award-winning play deals with dreams and realities of emigration. Natalia leaves Poland for Ireland at the age of 16. She wants to join her father who has been working in Dublin for some time. She’s full of hope and excited about starting a new life. But the reality is that she has to look after herself in a new country and an unknown environment. She gets a job in a shoe shop but feels lonely, alienated and struggles to make enough money to survive. She is forced to choose between remaining true to herself or abandoning her dreams. She really wants to be on stage. She wants to show the world that despite the odds she will make it. She just needs more light. ‘Its message is universal, shows feelings of many immigrants who are not only a pair of hands … but have their own ambitions and dreams.’ Polish Neighbour NEW TOWN THEATRE: MYSTERIOUS

NEW TOWN THEATRE: MYSTERIOUS

Dates August 5 – 29 (not 10, 17, 24)

Dates August 5 – 29 (not 16, 23)

Times 14:45 (1 hour)

Times 17:00 (1 hour 10 mins) Tickets August 5 & 6 preview £6, Mon – Fri £11 (£9) Sat & Sun £13 (£11)

Tickets August 5 & 6 preview £6 Mon & Wed – Fri £10 (£8) Sat & Sun £12 (£10)

>www.universalartsfestival.com >0131 226 0000

Miguel Vargas Flamenco Dance Theatre (Spain)

Rhythms with Soul (UK premiere) This fascinating, contemporary interpretation of traditional flamenco rhythms and melodies is a trip from the cradle of flamenco to the present and from the deepest grief to the holiest joy. Born in Venezuela, Vargas made his debut as a child prodigy at the age of six. Today he is recognised as one of the top exponents of flamenco and is Director of the Centre of Art and Flamenco in Seville. He is joined by eight dancers and eight musicians for a show of pure energy, passion, intensity and technique. ‘remarkable’ New York Times ‘power and mastery ... brilliant‘ El Mundo ‘His Highness appears like a pop star … God must have anointed him personally. His movements are majestic.’ ANDA www.miguelvargas.com

NEW TOWN THEATRE: MAJESTIC Dates

August 5 – 29 (not 17)

Times

15:50 (1 hour 10 mins)

Tickets

August 5 & 6 preview £7.50 Mon – Fri £11; Sat & Sun £13

>www.universalartsfestival.com >0131 226 0000

photo by Vladimir Postnov

Nochty Productions Pip Utton (UK)

(Russia/UK)

Pip Utton is Charles Dickens

Lonesome Foxtrot (in English)

Charles Dickens, England's greatest novelist, is on tour preparing to give a reading, railing against social injustice, fearing death, craving love and praise, enjoying the fame and adulation.

Fyodor, a young engineer, leaves Fro, his wife to head to the Far East, where he is going to engage in the creation of a beautiful new world.

Pip Utton is one of the Fringe's best-loved performers. Following the successes of Adolf, Chaplin, Bacon and Hancock, Pip gets under the skin of Dickens to create a real man out of the myth.

'Utton is the doyen of the one-man show' Daily Telegraph

A new interpretation of Fro, one of Andrey Platonov’s famous stories from the 1930s.

Fro, a young working girl, finds herself alone with her love and longing. She loves her husband so much that she is ready to do anything for his sake. But she’s desperate to get him back and becomes a strong passionate woman. But can she get what she wants? Can the power of love overcome his dreams of utopia?

'Pip Utton's performances are all masterclasses in acting' British Theatre Guide

By turns sad and funny, this romantic story is directed by Vasily Senin, renowned in Russia and Eastern Europe as ‘passionate, dynamic, and totally devoted to the soul of Russian literature.’ St Petersburg CityOut

www.pip-utton.com

NEW TOWN THEATRE: MYSTERIOUS

Dates August 5 – 29 (not 17)

Dates

August 5 – 29 (not 17)

Times 20:30 (1 hour 5 mins)

Times

18:45 (1 hour 10 mins)

Tickets

August 5 & 6 preview £5; Mon – Fri £9 (£7) Sat & Sun £10 (£8)

Tickets August 5 & 6 preview £5; Mon – Fri £11 (£9) Sat & Sun £12 (£10)

>www.universalartsfestival.com >0131 226 0000

The British Comedy Club of Great Britain

Rainer Hersch's Victor Borge Victor Borge was a brilliant pianist, virtuoso comedian and ‘the funniest man in the world’ New York Times. During the ‘sixties he also became the highest paid entertainer in showbiz, loved by audiences worldwide. In this brilliant show, his extraordinary life is retold and his hilarious act re-imagined for the 21st century by his acclaimed successor, Rainer Hersch. Rainer is well known to BBC Radio and Television audiences for his many appearances – including recently as celebrity winner of Counterpoint on Radio 4 and his own hit series All The Right Notes, Not Necessarily In The Right Order. More than just a tribute, Rainer Hersch’s Victor Borge is a comedian’s journey of discovery – at turns hilarious and poignant. Premiered at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2004 (under the title Borge Again!) this production was greeted with five-star reviews and sell-out audiences. It has subsequently toured to theatres and festivals across the world. This is its first appearance in the UK for over five years – book early to avoid disappointment.

‘Two great comedians for the price of one’ ★★★★★ Metro ‘Victor Borge for a new generation’ Sunday Times 'Don't miss ths divine comedy' Daily Mail ‘The most captivating solo performance I have ever seen’ Edmonton Journal ‘Comic Genius’ The Australian www.rainerhersch.com NEW TOWN THEATRE: MAJESTIC Dates

August 5 – 29 (not 11, 18, 25)

Times

18:00 (1 hour 10 mins)

Tickets

August 5 & 6 preview £8; August 7 & 8 & Mon – Thurs £12; Fri, Sat, Sun £14

>www.universalartsfestival.com >0131 226 0000

2Landa (Czech Republic)

Desire (in English) Young, handsome and British, Ben got twelve years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. Only his hidden love, to a beautiful Czech musical star Karin helps keeps him alive. When reading an advert for performers to audition in a Czech musical, he sees a picture of the show’s star... Karin! He decides to escape. Pursued by the police, he gets to the auditions. But how will he overcome her engagement to Oscar, a power crazed producer? With a neurotic director, rebellious cast and as long as nobody knows Ben's identity, what could possibly go wrong... Adapted from the award winning film Desire (Touha), written and directed by the same highly successful 2Landa team, the show has enjoyed a sell out run in the Czech Republic. ‘Desire; outstanding, funny and bold’ Czech Musical Server NEW TOWN THEATRE: MAJESTIC Dates

August 5 – 29 (not 17)

Times

20:00 (1 hour 15 mins)

Tickets

August 5 & 6 preview £7.50; Mon – Thurs £10 (£8); Fri – Sun £12 (£10)

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>www.universalartsfestival.com >0131 226 0000

Barockestra (UK) What would Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart look like with a Fender Stratocaster around his neck, surrounded by banks of keyboards, Beethoven on drums and Vivaldi on bass? This amazing theatrical experience combines humour with rock interpretations of familiar classic hits of the past masters – from Mozart to the flying finger virtuosity of the Flight of the Bumble Bee to the delicate beauty of Swan Lake. The brainchild of Steve Grant, who’s performed and played worldwide with the original Animals, the Sweet and George Harrison, Barockestra features top rock musicians, a great robust male virtuoso, a stunning opera soprano, spectacular projected images and four gorgeous ballerina dancers, all designed and choreographed by Emmerdale's Deena Payne. Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news! www.barockestra.com NEW TOWN THEATRE: MAJESTIC Dates

August 5 – 29 (not 17)

Times

22:10 (1 hour 10 mins)

Tickets

August 5 & 6 preview £7.50; Mon – Fri £11 (£9); Sat & Sun £12 (£10)

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>www.universalartsfestival.com >0131 226 0000

Something Relevant (India)

Feels Good to be Live India’s leading Jam Rock Band. With explosive energy and great songs, STR are upbeat, improvisational and always funky. An energetic seven-piece ensemble, their music is a fusion of funk, blues, reggae, rock, pop, soul & hip hop, resonating with the city sounds of Mumbai. Their songs are original, drawn from personal experiences and dreams, with gripping instrumental jams, youthful effervescence and an irrepressible love for live performance. The band's debut album Feels Good 2B Live was released in 2009 (Relevant Records/Silk Road) ‘One of Mumbai's hottest acts’ Hindustan Times NEW TOWN THEATRE: MYSTERIOUS Dates August 5 – 29 (not 7, 10, 16, 23) Times 22:30 (1 hour) Tickets August 5 & 6 preview £5; Mon – Fri £11 (£9) students £8; Sat & Sun £12 (£10) students £8

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>www.universalartsfestival.com >0131 226 0000

Aurea Porta (Poland) & Universal Arts present

Era Schaeffera In addition to our programme at New Town Theatre we are delighted to present this very special event to celebrate the 80th birthday of Poland's most prolific composer and playwright, Boguslaw Schaeffer. Featuring the Polish National Radio Orchestra conducted by Agnieszka Duczmal, the Olga Szwajgier Quartet and soloist Urszula Dudziak, Era Schaeffera is an interactive, audio-visual, multi-media performance that reflects Schaeffer’s own feelings about culture, the art of composition and how music is perceived by listeners. Schaeffer is one of the most prominent leaders of the post-WW2 European avant-garde, widely considered to be the ‘father of new music in Poland’, An author of forty plays, numerous books on modern music, as well as more than 500 musical compositions, Schaeffer is also a graphic designer, professor at the Salzburg School of Music and at the Academy of Music in Kraków. His Klavier Konzert featured on the soundtrack to David Lynch’s Inland Empire and Eugène Ionesco wrote Three Dreams about Schaeffer in his honour. VENUE 150@EICC Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Morrison Street August 20 & 21, 19.00 (2hrs) 22 August, 15.00 and 19.00 (2hrs) Tickets £15 (£12)

Graphic designs by Schaeffer will be exhibited in the foyer of the EICC during August. There is also a virtual exhibition of graphics and music on our website – click on exhibitions at www.universalartsfestival.com

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An appeal to our great Festival audience... For many years I have used our Fringe brochure to raise issues relating to Culture and especially the Performing Arts. I have tried to reach politicians, decision makers and cultural practitioners. This time I would like to address the most important stakeholders in the Performing Arts, you, our audiences. We are all anxious about the economic situation and are preparing ourselves for cuts in public spending. Politicians talk about saving ’front line services‘ but I am concerned about what they regard as ’front line’. I understand that the health service and education are very important, but what about Culture? Most of our policy makers regard Culture simply as entertainment and typically it has attracted spending cuts as a politically safe option. There’s no doubt in my mind that if we have to choose between closing a hospital or a theatre we want to save the hospital. However we also have to remember that Culture signifies cultivation, edification and development. In other words it contains all the essentials for the development of an individual, a community and a nation. Education, art, heritage and sport are all elements of Culture. Very often Culture is separated from Education that reduces learning to a basic training in functional abilities. The progress of any society depends, above all, on regular exposure to, and stimulation from Culture, which activates the intellectual development and abilities of individual members of a community. This in turn triggers economic growth in a society and a nation. There is another important aspect to Culture, and particularly the Arts. In international relations, it has been proven that cultural diplomacy can sometimes work better than conventional diplomatic channels. Repeatedly, during times of international tension, exchanges of exhibitions or performing arts productions have resulted in improved diplomatic relationships, greater trust and cultural understanding. Indeed, the Edinburgh Festival was born of the post-war healing initiative that saw governmental investment in the creation of the first Edinburgh International Festival. Most European countries spend more than double on Culture than the UK. British cultural policy is weak and the governmental structure and political priorities financially favour sport. With current economic forecasts, we have to brace ourselves for worse to come. Moreover, with enormous overspending on the Olympic Games, which will benefit only London, I am afraid that money for Culture will be used to patch holes in the Olympic budget. And this is happening at a time when private sector sponsorship for the Arts is drying up. So I ask: do you want to see Culture and particularly the Arts shepherded away along with other perceived non-essential services? If not: support your local arts organisations in their fight for essential financial public funding; write to your MP and MSP demanding that Culture be given an equal footing with Education and Sport; but, above all, buy tickets and enjoy theatre shows, concerts and exhibitions – be Cultured... Tomek Borkowy, Artistic Director, Universal Arts

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booking info diary

Tickets and Information:

0131 220 0143 (Venue Box Office) 0131 226 0000 (Fringe Box Office) www.universalartsfestival.com

Access: We apologise for not having level access to the New Town Theatre. Access is via 8 steps up from the pavement, thereafter on the level to the Majestic space. Access to the Mysterious space from within the building is down 18 steps and on the level thereafter.

Tickets are also available from www.edfringe.com and directly from the venues: New Town Theatre – from Aug 5 (Fringe venue 7) Freemasons’ Hall, 96 George Street, EH2 3DH George Street is the summit of the New Town and the theatre is located in the block between Frederick Street and Castle Street.

Venue 150 @ EICC is fully accessible to all patrons.

Venue 150 @ EICC Edinburgh International Conference Centre – 150 Morrison Street Edinburgh, EH3 8EE The EICC is on Morrison Street, 5 minutes from Filmhouse on Lothian Road.

Our staff are willing to help patrons with mobility difficulties. If you have particular requirements and would like to arrange assistance in advance, please call New Town Theatre: 0131 220 0143 (August), EICC: 0131 300 3000 or our admin office: 0131 478 0195.

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White Dalmatian

2Landa