The sixteen Scottish performances to make up this year’s Made in Scotland showcase have been revealed.
Established in 2009, the initiative, which helps Scottish creatives, artists, performers, and communities to connect globally, has supported 299 shows to date, The onward touring fund component has supported over 130 productions to visit more than fifty countries over six continents.
The showcase of music theatre and dance is backed by the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund; administered in a partnership between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Federation of Scottish Theatre, Scottish Music Centre and Creative Scotland.
Angus Robertson, cabinet secretary for culture said: “The Made in Scotland showcase is all about highlighting the best of our new talent to the world. Year-on-year Scottish artists have capitalised on the opportunity Made in Scotland provides, so I am delighted that this year’s programme is bringing more shows than ever to international audiences of all ages.
“The Scottish Government is proud to support this year’s Made in Scotland showcase with £540,000 of funding through our Expo fund, which aims to help festivals innovate and maximise national and international opportunities for the artists who contribute to them. I have no doubt those artists featured this year will enhance Scotland’s culture sector by forging new connections across the world.”
Tony Lankester, chief executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society said: “The support we receive from the Scottish Government's EXPO Fund is truly transformative for Scottish artists. It gives them the opportunity to showcase their extraordinary work on an unparalleled platform at the Edinburgh Fringe, and then to take those shows to audiences around the world.
“The EXPO Fund’s commitment to nurturing Scotland’s cultural talent ensures that artists have the space to do what they do best, and to thrive on the world stage. The Fringe Society is privileged to help deliver this opportunity and we look forward to celebrating their success with them.”
Laura Mackenzie-Stuart, head of theatre at Creative Scotland said: “Once again, the Made in Scotland Showcase serves up a dizzying array of Scottish talent. This August, audiences in Edinburgh will get advance sight of work which we are confident will be gracing international stages for years to come, following in the footsteps of the exceptional and select 299 shows which have been worthy recipients of Made in Scotland funding since 2009. “
5. Through Warm Temperatures -
Through warm temperatures affirms castor oil's legacy as a natural remedy, an elixir, and a historic source that transcends boundaries. This performance takes you on a journey of reconnection with nature and the body. Weaving vocals and dance, the work shifts from meditative gestures to unfiltered expression building towards self-acceptance. Mele Broomes’ choreography and vocals, with Simone Seales’ live cello and electronic soundscapes, merge as performers shift between solos, duos, and collective movement. Assembly@DanceBase 12 – 24 August, 1.15. | Made in Scotland
6. Aud the Deep Minded
A groundbreaking music drama by Scottish New Music Awards shortlisted Joanna Nicholson combining projection art, voice, electronic soundscapes, clarinet and horn. Psychological time travel draws the audience into the inner world of Aud the Deep Minded, a real-life Christian Viking and conflicted yet brilliant leader in 9th century Scotland. theSpaceTriplex 13th – 17th Aug 11:15am | Made in Scotland
7. Balfour Reparations by Farah Saleh
The Balfour Reparations is a performance lecture examines the UK's colonial legacy in Palestine, focusing on Arthur James Balfour, Prime Minister (1902-1905) and Foreign Secretary (1916-1919), and his role in denying Palestinian political rights. Utilising speculative choreography and Afrofuturism, Saleh intertwines history, fiction, and fantasy, drawing inspiration from archival materials. Set in 2045, the lecture reflects on a fictive apology letter issued by the UK in 2025, promising reparations to the Palestinian people. The audience become members of the reparations' evaluation committee created on the 20th anniversary of the apology and are invited to participate in the performance. Summerhall, TechCube, 13-25 August 4.30pm. | Made in Scotland
8. Pekku
Pekku takes a playful look at what happens when you want to be left alone and others have a different idea. A new show for 3 to 6-year-olds by the creators of White and Stick by Me. Co-commissioned by Red Bridge Arts, ROHM Theatre and Ricca Ricca Festival. ZOO Southside, Main House, 11am. 1-9 August | Made in Scotland