2010 Brochure

Herald Archangel Award-winner 2009Universal Arts are a crucial part of thefabric of the Fringe, bringingmusic,theatre and dance from all over theworldThe Herald

Edinburgh Festival Fringe20105–29 AugustNew Town Theatre Venue 7www.universalartsfestival.com

Welcome to the 2010 Universal Arts

festival programmeThis is our 21st Festival Fringe and during all those yearswe have introduced to Edinburgh audiences literallythousands of artists from around theworld. We have broughtcompanies frommore than 50 countries, making audienceslaugh and cry but always providing a first-rate theatreexperience.

Once againwe invite you to ourNew Town Theatre,possibly themost beautiful festival venue in town, to enjoyintelligent comedy, drama, musicals andmusic. We havesomething for youngsters and adults, connoisseurs andnovices, eager fans and casual visitors. We present onlyprofessional companieswho, this year, come from China,Czech Republic, India, Russia, Spain and the UK.

Join Rodney Bewes in his boat, meet Pip Utton’s Dickens,laughwith Rainer Hersch’s Victor Borge or see ahigh-octane rockmusical based on classical music. We bringyou passionate flamenco from Seville, a love story fromSt Petersburg, laughter form Prague, jazz fromMumbaiand exuberant sounds from southwest China.

This year wewill look after you even better than ever withtwo comfortable bars, one fitted into themarble foyer andthe second in the oak panelledMysterious, where you canenjoy a drink during some shows.

Finally, we invite you to a truly special birthday celebrationat Edinburgh’s International Conference Centre (venue150):Boguslaw Schaeffer, Poland's most prolific composer,playwright and philosopher is eighty years old. For justfour performances, hewill be joined onstage by the PolishNational Radio Orchestra, a jazz quartet, electronic soloist,and actors performing his play 'AMultimedia Thing'. Aselection of his drawings and graphic designs can be seenin themain Foyer at EICC.

There’s more detail about all the shows alongwith ourlatest news stories on our website and you can alsokeep up-to-datewith our news and get links to presscoverage by joining us on Facebook.(www.facebook.com/pages/Universal-Arts/330806942825)

Wewish you amost fantastic Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2010.

Tomek Borkowy and the Universal Arts Team

I 3

Universal Arts Team

Tomek BorkowyArtistic Director

Laura Mackenzie StuartManaging Director

Sarah RobinsonOperations andFront-of-House Manager

Richard BellProduction and Technical Manager

Chris LordCommunications Manager

Trish McGuinnessPress Manager

Judith ProcterPromoters’ Centre Manager

Martyna DargiewiczBar Manager

Tomasz KowolWeb Master www.tommedia.co.uk

Design: Emma Quinn.Brochure printed on paper from sustainablesources by Forward Graphics, Glasgow.

We are grateful to all ourpartners and supporters withoutwhom we would be unable toproduce the programme.

Thanks to:The Grand Lodge of Scotland andespecially Mr David Begg and MrClark Wilson; Spotlight, the stageand screen casting directory who,once again, provide a Promoters'Centre for visiting producers anddirectors; Mr Tomasz Trafas,Polish Consul General; the AdamMickiewicz Institute; the PolishCultural Institute; the ConfuciusInstitute for Scotland; ETC andStage Electrics for ensuringthat our international companieshave access to the best technicalequipment and skills development;Euro Business Solutions forsupporting our Box Office andcommunications; and Xerox OfficeSolutions for supporting ourcommunications.

I 4

2Landa (Czech Republic)

The White Dalmatian (in English)

An exciting, emotional and enlightening journey for children and parents. A spottedDalmatian is the fabulous new toy in the box and loved by all the other toys. But, the oldWitch is jealous andmagics away his spots! Everybody is sad and helpless. His new friendsthe toys say ‘We have an idea, lets go to Fairylandwhere everything is possible’. So, all thetoys go on a journey full of surprising adventures in search of theWhite Dalmatian’s spots...

The biggest selling children’s musical ever to be produced in the Czech Republic,it’s directed by the award-winningMirjam Landa.

The audience can expect awitty but alsomoving story of friendship, joy and sorrowwith themoral 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

I 5


The Confucius Institute presentsGuizhou Ethnic Arts Ensemble (China)

Rhythm of the Drums: Song of the CicadaExuberant drumming, dramatic dance, heartfelt singing, and glorious ethnic costumes in aspectacular show by this multi-award-winningmusic and dance troupe from theminorityDong andMiao peoples of southwest China.

From theWood DrumDance of theMiao people – known as ‘oriental disco’ for its freneticmovements – to the ethereal beauty of the love songs of the Dongzu; 16 performers instunning headdresses, amazing jewellery and playing ethnic instruments enthral, delightand reveal the rich cultural heritage, as practiced today, in their remotemountain homes.

www.confuciusinstitute.ac.uk/fringe2010


Dates August 5 – 23 (not 8, 11, 18)


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


I 6

Three Men in a BoatAdapted by and starring Rodney Bewes (UK)

The opening line? 'There were four of us!'As a one-man show …? Original Likely LadRodney Bewes sets his adaptation in Jerome KJerome's study some years after the famousbook was written. He recalls the japes, scrapesand narrow escapes with George, Harris anddog, Montmorency, telling of Harris losing40 people at Hampton Court Maze, theunopenable tin of pineapple and the awfulshortage of mustard.

‘his audience adores him…his delivery isso natural and appealing that it seemsentirely spontaneous.’ The List

‘restores something of the music-hallorigin… delicious’ �� The Scotsman

rodneybewes3meninaboat.co.uk

NEW TOWN THEATRE: MYSTERIOUS

Dates August 5 – 29 (not 16, 23)

Times 17:00 (1 hour 10mins)

Tickets August 5 & 6 preview £6, Mon – Fri £11 (£9)Sat & Sun £13 (£11)

Teatr Praga (Poland)

More Light Please (in English)

Written byNatalia Kostrzewa & Jerzy LachDirected by Jerzy LachPerformed byNatalia KostrzewaMusic by The Tiger LilliesBased on the experiences of the co-writerand performer, this funny and touching,award-winning play deals with dreamsand realities of emigration.Natalia leaves Poland for Ireland at the age of16. She wants to join her father who has beenworking in Dublin for some time. She’s full ofhope and excited about starting a new life.But the reality is that she has to look afterherself in a new country and an unknownenvironment. She gets a job in a shoe shop butfeels lonely, alienated and struggles to makeenough money to survive. She is forced tochoose between remaining true to herself orabandoning her dreams. She really wants tobe on stage. She wants to show the worldthat despite the odds she will make it.She just needs more light.‘Its message is universal, shows feelingsof many immigrants who are not only apair of hands … but have their ownambitions and dreams.’ Polish Neighbour


Dates August 5 – 29 (not 10, 17, 24)


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


I 7

Miguel Vargas FlamencoDance Theatre (Spain)

Rhythmswith Soul (UK premiere)This fascinating, contemporaryinterpretation of traditional flamencorhythms andmelodies is a trip from thecradle of flamenco to the present andfrom the deepest grief to the holiest joy.

Born in Venezuela, Vargasmade hisdebut as a child prodigy at the age of six.Today he is recognised as one of the topexponents of flamenco and is Directorof the Centre of Art and Flamenco inSeville. He is joined by eight dancersand eightmusicians for a show of pureenergy, 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 himpersonally. His movements aremajestic.’ANDA

www.miguelvargas.com




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


I 8

Pip Utton (UK)

Pip Utton isCharles DickensCharles Dickens, England's greatestnovelist, is on tour preparing to give areading, railing against social injustice,fearing death, craving love and praise,enjoying the fame and adulation.

Pip Utton is one of the Fringe's best-lovedperformers. Following the successes ofAdolf, Chaplin, Bacon andHancock, Pipgets under the skin of Dickens to createa real man out of themyth.

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

'Pip Utton's performances are allmasterclasses in acting'British Theatre Guide

www.pip-utton.com




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

Nochty Productions(Russia/UK)

Lonesome Foxtrot (in English)

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

Fyodor, a young engineer, leaves Fro, hiswife to head to the Far East, where he isgoing to engage in the creation of a beautifulnewworld.

Fro, a young working girl, finds herself alonewith her love and longing. She loves herhusband so much that she is ready to doanything for his sake. But she’s desperate toget him back and becomes a strong passionatewoman. But can she get what she wants?Can the power of love overcome his dreamsof utopia?

By turns sad and funny, this romantic story isdirected by Vasily Senin, renowned in Russiaand Eastern Europe as ‘passionate, dynamic,and totally devoted to the soul of Russianliterature.’ St Petersburg CityOut




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

photobyVladim

irPostnov


I 9

The British Comedy Club of Great Britain

Rainer Hersch'sVictor BorgeVictor Borgewas a brilliant pianist, virtuosocomedian and ‘the funniest man in theworld’New York Times. During the ‘sixties he alsobecame the highest paid entertainer inshowbiz, loved by audiencesworldwide.In this brilliant show, his extraordinary life isretold and his hilarious act re-imagined forthe 21st century by his acclaimed successor,Rainer Hersch. Rainer is well known to BBCRadio and Television audiences for his manyappearances – including recently as celebritywinner of Counterpoint on Radio 4 and hisown hit seriesAll The Right Notes, NotNecessarily In The Right Order.

More than just a tribute, Rainer Hersch’sVictor Borge is a comedian’s journey ofdiscovery – at turns hilarious and poignant.Premiered at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in2004 (under the title Borge Again!) thisproductionwas greetedwith five-starreviews and sell-out audiences. It hassubsequently toured to theatres andfestivals across theworld. This is its firstappearance 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 Australianwww.rainerhersch.com


Dates August 5 – 29 (not 11, 18, 25)


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


I 10

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 Czechmusical star Karin helps keeps him alive.When reading an advert for performers to audition in a Czechmusical, he sees a pictureof the show’s star... Karin! He decides to escape. Pursued by the police, he gets to theauditions. But howwill 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 gowrong...

Adapted from the awardwinning filmDesire (Touha), written and directed by the samehighly successful 2Landa team, the show has enjoyed a sell out run in the Czech Republic.

‘Desire; outstanding, funny and bold’ Czech Musical Server




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


I 11

Barockestra (UK)

WhatwouldWolfgang AmadeusMozart look likewith a Fender Stratocaster around his neck,surrounded by banks of keyboards, Beethoven on drums and Vivaldi on bass?

This amazing theatrical experience combines humourwith rock interpretations of familiarclassic hits of the pastmasters – fromMozart to the flying finger virtuosity of the Flightof the Bumble Bee to the delicate beauty of Swan Lake.

The brainchild of Steve Grant, who’s performed and playedworldwidewith the originalAnimals, the Sweet and George Harrison, Barockestra features top rockmusicians, a greatrobustmale virtuoso, a stunning opera soprano, spectacular projected images and fourgorgeous ballerina dancers, all designed and choreographed by Emmerdale's Deena Payne.

Roll over Beethoven and tell Tchaikovsky the news!

www.barockestra.com




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


I 12

Something Relevant (India)

Feels Good to be LiveIndia’s leading Jam Rock Band. With explosiveenergy and great songs, STR are upbeat,improvisational and always funky.

An energetic seven-piece ensemble, theirmusic is a fusion of funk, blues, reggae, rock,pop, soul & hip hop, resonating with the citysounds of Mumbai.

Their songs are original, drawn from personalexperiences and dreams, with grippinginstrumental jams, youthful effervescence andan irrepressible love for live performance.

The band's debut album Feels Good 2B Livewas released in 2009 (Relevant Records/SilkRoad)

‘One of Mumbai's hottest acts’Hindustan Times


Dates August 5 – 29 (not 7, 10, 16, 23)


Tickets August 5 & 6 preview £5; Mon – Fri £11 (£9)students £8; Sat & Sun £12 (£10) students £8


I 13

Aurea Porta (Poland)& Universal Arts present

Era SchaefferaIn addition to our programme at NewTown Theatrewe are delighted to present this veryspecial event to celebrate the 80th birthday of Poland's most prolific composer and playwright,Boguslaw Schaeffer. Featuring the Polish National Radio Orchestra conducted by AgnieszkaDuczmal, the Olga Szwajgier Quartet and soloist Urszula Dudziak, Era Schaeffera is aninteractive, audio-visual, multi-media performance that reflects Schaeffer’s own feelingsabout culture, the art of composition and howmusic is perceived by listeners.

Schaeffer is one of themost prominent leaders of the post-WW2 European avant-garde, widelyconsidered to be the ‘father of newmusic in Poland’, An author of forty plays, numerous booksonmodernmusic, as well asmore than 500musical compositions, Schaeffer is also a graphicdesigner, professor at the Salzburg School of Music and at the Academy ofMusic in Kraków.His Klavier Konzert featured on the soundtrack to David Lynch’s Inland Empire and EugèneIonescowrote 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 Schaefferwill be exhibited in thefoyer of the EICC during August. There is also a virtualexhibition of graphics andmusic on ourwebsite – clickon exhibitions atwww.universalartsfestival.com

I 14

An appeal to our great Festival audience...Formany years I have used our Fringe brochure to raise issues relating to Culture andespecially the Performing Arts. I have tried to reach politicians, decisionmakers and culturalpractitioners. This time I would like to address themost important stakeholders in thePerforming Arts, you, our audiences.

We are all anxious about the economic situation and are preparing ourselves for cuts in publicspending. Politicians talk about saving ’front line services‘ but I am concerned aboutwhatthey regard as ’front line’. I understand that the health service and education are veryimportant, but what about Culture?

Most of our policymakers regard Culture simply as entertainment and typically it hasattracted spending cuts as a politically safe option. There’s no doubt inmymind that ifwe have to choose between closing a hospital or a theatrewewant to save the hospital.Howeverwe also have to remember that Culture signifies cultivation, edification anddevelopment. In other words it contains all the essentials for the development of anindividual, a community and a nation.

Education, art, heritage and sport are all elements of Culture. Very often Culture is separatedfrom Education that reduces learning to a basic training in functional abilities. The progress ofany society depends, above all, on regular exposure to, and stimulation from Culture, whichactivates 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 internationalrelations, it has been proven that cultural diplomacy can sometimeswork better thanconventional diplomatic channels. Repeatedly, during times of international tension,exchanges of exhibitions or performing arts productions have resulted in improved diplomaticrelationships, greater trust and cultural understanding. Indeed, the Edinburgh Festival wasborn of the post-war healing initiative that saw governmental investment in the creationof the first Edinburgh International Festival.

Most European countries spendmore than double on Culture than the UK. British culturalpolicy 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, whichwill benefit only London,I am afraid thatmoney for Culturewill be used to patch holes in the Olympic budget.And this is happening at a timewhen private sector sponsorship for the Arts is drying up.

So I ask: do youwant to see Culture and particularly the Arts shepherded away alongwithother perceived non-essential services?

If not: support your local arts organisations in their fight for essential financial public funding;write to your MP andMSP demanding that Culture be given an equal footingwith Educationand Sport; but, above all, buy tickets and enjoy theatre shows, concerts and exhibitions –be Cultured...

Tomek Borkowy, Artistic Director, Universal Arts

I 15

Tickets and Information:

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

Tickets are also available fromwww.edfringe.com and directlyfrom the venues:

New Town Theatre – from Aug 5(Fringe venue 7) Freemasons’ Hall,96 George Street, EH2 3DHGeorge Street is the summit of theNew Town and the theatre is locatedin the block between Frederick Streetand Castle Street.

Venue 150 @ EICCEdinburgh International ConferenceCentre – 150 Morrison StreetEdinburgh, EH3 8EEThe EICC is on Morrison Street, 5 minutesfrom Filmhouse on Lothian Road.

Access:We apologise for not having level accessto the New Town Theatre. Access is via 8steps up from the pavement, thereafter onthe level to the Majestic space. Access tothe Mysterious space fromwithin thebuilding is down 18 steps and on thelevel thereafter.

Venue 150 @ EICC is fully accessibleto all patrons.

Our staff are willing to help patrons withmobility difficulties. If you have particularrequirements and would like to arrangeassistance in advance, please call NewTown Theatre: 0131 220 0143 (August),EICC: 0131 300 3000 or our admin office:0131 478 0195.

book

ing

info

diar

y show company time minutes dates no show space page

White Dalmatian 2Landa 11:45 60 5 - 29Aug 17 majestic 4

Rhythms of the Drum… Guizhou Ethnic Arts 13:40 60 5 - 23Aug 8, 11, 18 majestic 5

More Light Please Teatr Praga 14:45 60 5 - 29Aug 10, 17, 24 mysterious 7

Rhythmswith Soul Miguel Vargas 15:50 70 5 - 29Aug 17 majestic 8

ThreeMen in a Boat Rodney Bewes 17:00 70 5 - 29Aug 16, 23 mysterious 7

Rainer Hersch's Victor Borge Rainer Hersch 18:00 70 5 - 29Aug 11, 18, 25 majestic 9

Pip Utton is Charles Dickens Pip Utton 18:45 70 5 - 29Aug 17 mysterious 8

Desire 2Landa 20:00 75 5 - 29Aug 17 majestic 10

Lonesome Foxtrot Nochty Productions 20:30 65 5 - 29Aug 17, mysterious 8

Barockestra Barockestra 22:10 70 5 - 29Aug 17 majestic 11

Good to be Live Something Relevant 22:30 60 5 - 29Aug 7,10,16,23 mysterious 12

Era Schaeffera Aurea Porta 19:00 120 20&21Aug 150@EICC 1215:00 120 22Aug 150@EICC

New Town Theatre

Venue 150 @ EICC

Tickets & Info: 0131 220 0143 (NewTown Theatre)or0131 226 0000 (Fringe Box Office) www.universalartsfestival.com

Parking There is metered parking on/adjacent to both George Street and in the vicinity of the EICC.Tickets are required 8.30am – 6.30pmMon to Sat and time is limited to 2 hours. For longer term parking:NCP Car Park on Castle Terrace close to Traverse Theatre.

Public TransportNewTown Theatre and venue150@EICC are easily reached by public transportasmany buses serve Lothian Road and George Street. Journey, day andweekly tickets available.www.lothianbuses.com.

If youwould like a large-type version of this brochure, please call 0131 478 0195

(fringe venue7)Freemasons’ Hall, 96 George Street Edinburgh EH2 3DH

(fringe venue150)Edinburgh International Conference Centre150Morrison Street Edinburgh EH3 8EE

‘a vibrant and colourful programme.’ The Herald‘a long record of welcoming international work’ The List‘dedicated to quality’ Daily Telegraph

2010 Brochure

Documents

Transcript of 2010 Brochure