The British Council, the UK's international organization for cultural relations, is partnering with Los Angeles-based UCLA Live and the Scottish Government to support the US 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, a series of energetic pre- and post-performance events engaging leading cultural figures, journalists, academics, ex-military personnel and emerging student leaders with thematic issues arising from the work. The program of events in Los Angeles will include a moderated panel discussion featuring media figures, former soldiers and representatives from the art world; a white paper and symposium about theater as a conduit for public diplomacy; and a three-way videoconference between universities in the US, England and Scotland on the topic of national identity and trauma.
The US premiere of Black Watch marks the debut of the National Theatre of Scotland in the United States. Black Watch will open UCLA Live's International Theatre Festival, running from September 18 to October 14 before moving to New York's St Ann's Warehouse from October 20 to November 11.
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.
