We are thrilled to announce that a multitude of current and former friends of IASH will grace the stages of the Edinburgh Fringe and International Book Festivals in 2023. With a diverse array of offerings spanning theatre, music, poetry and politics, there is an abundance of captivating experiences awaiting festivalgoers. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the brilliance of our esteemed friends of IASH at these prestigious festivals!
Jane Austen’s Scottish Music
Prepare to embark on a musical journey through the works of Jane Austen as Dr Gillian Dooley unravels the enchanting melodies that accompanied Austen’s timeless literature. Delve into the captivating melodies that shaped Austen’s world and gain insight into the profound influence of music on her writing.
22 July, 12:00 – 13:00 BST at the Scottish Arts Club
Get tickets here.
Lie Low
Watch the creative collaboration of Oisín Kearney and Michael Patrick, former IASH/Traverse Creative Fellows, as they present the intriguing play, ‘Lie Low.’ Meet Faye, a troubled soul gripped by fear, sleepless nights, and an unwarranted distrust of ducks. Surviving on a meagre diet of dry Rice Krispies, she seeks solace in a daring form of exposure therapy.
3-6, 8-13, 15-20, 22-27 August at the Traverse Theatre
Get tickets here.
Pathways to Peace from Disparate Points
Bringing together artworks created by Ukrainians and Edinburgh locals together in five art-making workshops in music, photography, pottery-making, loom-weaving, and cooking, this exhibition explores the potential of art objects in building compassionate and constructive relationships between people from disparate points of geography, culture, and life. In times of uncertainty, dislocation, and assimilation, personal and cultural objects take on a peculiar solidity, becoming remnants of experience, identity, and memory. The art objects on display here are remnants of shared experiences and interactions in these workshops, but they are also a possible means of visibility and communication among those attending the exhibition as part of the Fringe.
The exhibition includes a photography series, hand-built pottery vessels, a loom sculpture, a musical performance, and the ‘Peacemaker’s Loom’, an interactive French knitting loom which served as inspiration for the workshops. Food from the cooking workshop will be available for purchase at Pulse, a plant-based home cooking kitchen and eatery below the sanctuary of St Johns’ Church.
These artworks emerged from ‘Five Objects for Art and Peacebuilding’, a project run by Dr Caleb Froehlich and supported by the Susan Manning Workshop Fund from the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities, the Centre for Theology and Public Issues, and the Communities Fund at the University of Edinburgh. Other supporters and collaborators include the Ukrainian Community Centre, the Leith Community Centre, the University of Edinburgh Chaplaincy Centre, Blue Skye Catering, the musician Sally Jaquet, photographer Ciara Menziez, ceramicists Andy Lang and Sara Collins, visual artist Rhona Jack, and chefs Julia Bouvy and Iryna Drobysh.
5-26 August at St John's Church, Princes Street
Get tickets here.
Dionne Brand: No Language is Neutral
One of Canada’s most honoured poets visits Edinburgh to discuss Nomenclature: New and Collected Poems, recently released as a Penguin Modern Classic. This anthology seamlessly weaves together the titular new long poem with carefully curated selections from Brand's illustrious 40-year career. Through her poignant verses, Brand fearlessly delves into the complexities of race, sexuality, moral contradictions, migration, and the profound experiences of exile. Chaired by former IASH Fellow Dr Alycia Pirmohamed.
12 August, 13:45 – 14:45 at Spark Theatre, Edinburgh Book Festival
Get tickets here.
Jackie Kay: A Life in Protest
Join the prolific and award-winning writer Jackie Kay at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, where she unveils her remarkable poetry collection, "A Life in Protest." At the heart of this collection lies a profound and poignant poem that traces Kay's personal journey through significant moments of political activism.
Supported by GENDER.ED.
12 August, 12:30 – 13:30 BST at Baillie Gifford West Court, Edinburgh Book Festival
Get tickets here.
Claudia Rankine and Dionne Brand: Poetry and Power
Witness a conversation between two highly acclaimed North American poets of our time. Dionne Brand and Claudia Rankine will delve into their remarkable bodies of work. They explore and dissect pressing issues such as institutional racism, feminism, migration, capitalism, language, and memory, weaving together a narrative that reflects our collective identity.
Supported by RACE.ED.
13 August, 13:30 – 14:30 BST at Baillie Gifford Sculpture Court, Edinburgh Book Festival
Get tickets here.
Black is the Colour of My Voice
Former IASH/Traverse Creative Fellow and playwright Apphia Campbell returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with her critically acclaimed piece, 'Black is the Colour of My Voice.' Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Campbell's stunning solo show has garnered widespread acclaim during sell-out shows and an extensive UK tour.
14 – 15 and 17 – 19 August, 15:00 – 16:10 BST at Pentland Theatre, EICC
Get tickets here.
Nuadh-Òrain and Other Songs
Dr. Margaret McAllister presents a captivating chamber music experience that intertwines the rich tapestry of Gaelic and English poetry with enchanting melodies composed by contemporary Scottish artists. Accompanied by Scottish Voices, renowned for their mesmerizing vocal prowess and exceptional musicianship, this extraordinary performance brings to life the diverse voices of Scotland.
15 and 19 August, 14:30 – 16:00 BST at the Scottish Arts Club
Get tickets here.
Alexander McCall Smith: The Milkman of Human Kindness
An hour with Alexander McCall Smith, Scotland's most charming writer, at the Edinburgh Book Festival! Immerse yourself in a freewheeling antidote to life's stresses as McCall Smith unveils his beautiful new meditation, I Think of You, a collection of uplifting poetry that will touch your heart. Alexander McCall Smith is a long-standing friend of IASH, and sponsor of the Isabel Dalhousie Fellowship.
18 August, 18:45 – 19:45 at Baillie Gifford Sculpture Court, Edinburgh Book Festival
Get tickets here.
Mary Jean Chan and Nina Mingya Powles: New Poems
Immerse yourself in the rich and ever-evolving tapestry of language as two exceptional poets come together. Mary Jean Chan, building on the success of their award-winning debut Flèche, presents their luminous new collection, "Bright Fear." Joining her is Nina Mingya Powles, whose debut collection, "Magnolia," celebrates the beauty of multiplicities: diverse identities, sensory experiences, and intergenerational legacies. Chaired by former IASH Fellow Dr Alycia Pirmohamed.
21 August, 12:00 -13:00 at Spark Theatre, Edinburgh Book Festival
Get tickets here.
Jennifer Robinson & Keisha Yoshida: Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Internationally acclaimed human rights lawyers and co-authors Jennifer Robinson and Keina Yoshida present ‘How Many More Women?’ In this compelling discussion, they shed light on the critical issue addressed in their groundbreaking work. Robinson and Yoshida will delve into the necessary changes needed to safeguard survivors and continue the progress achieved thus far.
Supported by IASH.
23 August, 20:30 – 21:30 at Baillie Gifford Sculpture Court, Edinburgh Book Festival
Get tickets here.
What Draupadi Said to Penelope
Dive into the captivating world of "What Draupadi Said to Penelope." This thought-provoking production explores the voices of two iconic female figures from ancient mythology, Draupadi and Penelope. With powerful performances and rich storytelling, this show delves into themes of strength, resilience, and female agency.
Supported by IASH, GENDER.ED, and RACE.ED.
August 24–27, 19:30 – 20:30 at George Young Hall, LifeCare Centre, Stockbridge
Get tickets here.
Don't forget to explore the complete programme of the Edinburgh Book Festival at https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival/events and immerse yourself in a world of literary wonders. For an abundance of thrilling performances and shows, be sure to check out the Edinburgh Fringe Festival at https://www.edfringe.com.
And mark your calendars for another upcoming event:
Peter Arnott's 'Group Portrait in a Summer Landscape' at the Royal Lyceum Theatre from 4 to 14 October
Watch out for the captivating production of Group Portrait in a Summer Landscape by former IASH/Traverse Creative Fellow Peter Arnott. Set in a Perthshire country house during the Scottish Independence referendum of 2014, this intense and riveting story unravels the lives of retired academic and political heavyweight, George Rennie, and his fractured family and former students. As secrets are exposed and connections are tested, the play delves into the complexities of a way of life on the brink of change.
Get tickets here.