DUMFRIES and Galloway will welcome an "exciting and dynamic" line-up of events as part of the year-round Arts Live programme.
Arts Live is a touring programme for Dumfries & Galloway, aiming to spread the joy of performance and creativity through local communities, with the Spring/Summer offering now unveiled.
The Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival programme features performances of theatre, music, dance, comedy and spoken word.
As a result of the rising positive Covid-19 cases, the organisation decided to postpone its January events, which will instead take place later this year.
However, the programme of events from February onwards looks set to take place, with strict adherence to government guidelines and an emphasis on the safety of the audiences, artists and venues.
Following the world premiere of A Brief History of the Fragile Male Ego at the Fringe 2019 by Jordan & Skinner, Dumfries & Galloway audiences can see a return of the hit show, now reworked as a performance for the screen.
The screenings will take place between February 7-14, with another showing at Wigtown County Buildings in partnership with Driftwood Cinema on Monday, February 7.
Performed by Jordan & Skinner, who describe themselves as “an intersectional theatre feminist company”, the production is “a riotous and very funny solo show that cuts to the bone of the current conversation around gender politics”.
Other events include a performance of The Big Data by Civic Rights on Febuary 19, which aims to teach young people about cyber hacking and security through the story of a teenage hacker, Rupert Goodwins.
Goodwins demonstrated to BBC News in 1984 how he and his friends could access Prince Philip’s email account and send emails under Philip’s name. His friends were arrested and the case prompted new cybercrime legislation.
Goodwin writes, "Once upon a time, I was HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. Or at least, that’s who the computer I and my friends hacked claimed I was."
The show, written by Goodwin himself, is "the story of how that happened, what happened next and why it matters today".
On Friday March 4, Suzi Cunningham will present her dance show at the CatStrand, Rules to Live By, exploring what shapes our lives and the way we choose to chase our aspirations, even if they come at a cost. The show is a tribute to Suzi’s grandmother, who was a punk in her own right.
As part of the Arts Live programme, the work of Support for Ambition applicants for 2022 will be showcased, with the scheme encouraging local venues and artists to perform in the region by providing them with financial, promotional and advisory support.
The first of these events will see Dumfries Youth Theatre presenting Superglue by Tim Crouch at the Usual Place on March 12 and 13.
It's the story of a group of climate activists at the funeral of a friend who has died during a protest, and raises questions about peaceful versus violent action and how society dismisses the climate crisis.
The Usual Place in Dumfries will host Raven Abbey Music on March 31, with up-and-coming local musician Frank Morgan performing an acoustic set in support of the venue.
For younger theatregoers, Arts Live is supporting venues across the region to take part in the Puppet Animation Festival in April this year.
In partnership with Big DoG Children’s Festival, The Good, the Bad and the Poultry – Eggsploded, presented by Lewis Sherlock, is headed to the Plainstanes, Dumfries on Saturday April 2.
A walkabout performance featuring audience participation, the show is aimed at families.
Oscar & the Quest for the Underground Princess presented by Mousetale Puppets heads to the Bridge on Saturday April 2 for two showings throughout the day, a story of mother mouse trying to keep her son out of mischief, ideal for ages 4+.
Nettles in the Garden presented by Travelling Shadow Theatre is heading to Lagwyne Hall, Carsphairn on Saturday April 9. Springing out from an old brown suitcase, audiences will see a magical garden bloom to life.
SeedHeart, by Indigo Moon Theatre, will take place at the Robert Burns Centre on Sunday April 10 and CatStrand on Saturday April 16, where you will meet Grey and follow Grey’s journey to a better future with magical pop ups, puppetry, and interactive scenes.
Odd Socks presented by Nikki Kalkman is heading to the CatStrand on Friday April 15, Odd Socks follows Lil One who, along with their parent Big One, runs the sock laundrette.
On Saturday April 16 at Moat Brae, Two in a Barrel will be performed by Ruxy Cantir & Sarah Rose Graber.
Two in a Barrel is a clown-inspired, physical theatre performance for young audiences (ages 5+) aimed to educate about the waste we create, the destructive consequences of our habits and how we can co-exist in an environment with limited resources.
As a successful applicant of the Support for Ambition initiative, Harps for Spring by the Clarsach Society, Dumfries & Galloway Branch is presenting an afternoon of traditional harp playing at the Usual Place on April 16.
Moon Capers by Shaper/Caper will be part of the online programme from Friday June 17 to Monday June 20, ideal for 3–9-year-olds. It’s an interactive digital show where you will meet Captain Caper and pilot Peppy and help them on their mission to the Moon.
The Galloway Consort will present Tapestry – a weave of renaissance music and storytelling at Moffat Town Hall on June 19. Tapestry focuses on beautifully restored unicorn tapestries in Stirling Castle and the myths and history that they reflect.
James Rowland will star in his new show, Learning to Fly, running on June 22-24. Learning to Fly is the story of a remarkable friendship James made when he was a lonely, unhappy teenager – with the scary old lady who lived in the spooky house on his street.
This new one-man show will be performed in Port Logan, Kirkcudbright and a final location, to be confirmed later this year.
Tickets area vailable via www.dgartsfestival.org.uk
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