WELCOME TO OUR EXHIBITION AND PERFORMANCE On Common Ground is a performance project borne out of a collaboration between the Citizens Theatre and Debajehmujig Storytellers from Wikwemikong First Nation in Canada. It is part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme. Debajehmujig Storytellers is a community-based professional touring company dedicated to educating and sharing knowledge about the Anishnaabek people. The Citizens Theatre has been operating as a venue and theatre company in the Gorbals since 1945. It has an international reputation for its work on stage and for running an extensive year-round creative learning programme that provides a range of opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to get involved in the creative life of the theatre. Inclusive community productions are a particular specialism and On Common Ground is one of the biggest we have staged to date. When Debajehmujig and the Citizens Theatre first met in 2011 at the International Community Arts Festival (ICAF) in Rotterdam, there was an immediate recognition of shared values and creative processes. Both companies are recognised for the strength of their connections with local communities and for engaging community participants with professionals in a celebration of humanity, creativity and the social bonds we share. Despite the many cultural, historical and geographical differences, both companies have the same outlook. On Common Ground is more than a play. It is a multiartform celebration that comprises a community cast, choir and orchestra of over 100 participants, an installation and
exhibition in the Citizens Theatre foyer, a programme of workshops with young people and a volunteer photography project. Many local Gorbals organisations including Givin’ it Laldie, Bridging the Gap, Way To Go CafÊ, The Rose Garden Orchard Group, Gorbals Healthy Living Network, St Francis Primary, Blackfriars Primary, St Francis Pipe Band, Gorbals Library, Gorbals Parish Church and Hutchesontown Community Council have been valued partners in the development of the project, as has WAVEparticle, who are spearheading the delivery of the Laurieston Arts Strategy with New Gorbals Housing Association and Urban Union. The story of On Common Ground follows the journey of a group of travellers from Manitoulin Island, Ontario, as they search for an important Anishnaabe cultural icon, the Thunderbird. Their travels lead them to a gathering of nations which is happening in Glasgow. They encounter a group of children, an injured bird, and a host of local characters and embark on a shared journey of discovery. The performance interprets the culture, history and spiritual world of the Anishnaabek people alongside the culture and social history of the Gorbals and its people. The Citizens Theatre is very grateful to the huge range of people involved in On Common Ground who have been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition, especially the dedicated team of participants and volunteers who have given so generously of their time.
The Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme is a key part of the Games experience for spectators and visitors. Running until the end of August 2014, it will showcase the best of Scottish culture, alongside creative work from across the commonwealth and be a nationwide celebration of the Games, reaching its peak as Glasgow bursts into life at Games time. On Common Ground is part of Festival 2014 which is a Games-time celebration in Glasgow running alongside the sporting action. The Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme is a partnership between the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee, Glasgow Life and Creative Scotland.