The Army is back at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for second year with more diverse and international programme.
Fijian warriors and dancers from a show about World War I Indian soldiers were today joined by Operational Head of the Army in Scotland for the launch of Army@TheFringe 2018. The venue, which opens tomorrow (10 August), has a programme of seven productions and a photographic exhibition – all give insights into military life, past and present.
With a strong emphasis on the international and on diversity, there are pieces that explore everything from LGBT+ and gender issues, to the role of military spouses and the experiences of Commonwealth soldiers.
Brigadier Robin Lindsay, Commander, 51 Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland, said:“For three weeks in August, the Army in Scotland becomes part of the world’s biggest arts festival. This year we’ll be showcasing productions with a strong emphasis on the international and on diversity.
“Some of these will challenge the audience’s perception of the Army, soldiering and service.
“Research indicates that the Army and those who serve in it are held in high public regard. However, it also shows the Army is not particularly well understood.
“We are an organisation rooted in society; we live in, work in and contribute to our communities, but sometimes we lack the depth of dialogue we need to make a greater connection with society.
“Army@TheFringe is an example of our eagerness to discuss challenging issues and to start conversations with broader audiences.”
The productions include The Troth, a dance theatre work that reflects the experiences of the 140,000 Indian soldiers who served in Europe during WWI. With this year being the centenary of the war’s end it is an ideal moment to highlight the role and the sacrifice they made.
Mira Kaushik, director of Akademi, the company behind The Troth, said:“The Troth is inspired by a much loved wartime story known by generations of Indians. There is too little awareness of the contribution made by Indian soldiers in World War I and we are delighted that the Army is helping us to tell this important story at the Edinburgh Fringe.”
By contrast inVALID Voicesexplores the experience of Commonwealth soldiers, especially those from Fiji, in today’s Army. Cezary Goes to Warpresents a Polish perspective on military service. Forget-me-notstouches on the challenges faced by gay soldiers in WWII.
Wired examines Army life, and PTSD, from the perspective of a young female soldier. Meanwhile the ward-winning Shell Shock, offers insights into the challenges of returning to Civvy Street for an older male veteran and Virtual Strangeruses virtual reality goggles to explore our world.
Not Just and Army Wifeis an exhibition reflecting the experiences and invaluable contribution of military spouses all across the country.
Many of the productions are accompanied by after-show discussions – something that audiences very much valued last year,
Army@The Fringe, in association with Summerhall, takes place at the historic Hepburn House drill hall, in Edinburgh’s New Town. The venue is staffed by soldiers who run the bar and front of house services, and who mingle with the public before and after shows.
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Notes for editors
The shows at this year’s Army@TheFringe include:
- The Troth, from Akademi
- Forget Me Nots, from Rokkur Friggjar
- InValid Voices, by Helen-Marie O’Malley
- Shell Shock, by Neil Blower
- Wired, by Lesley Wilson
- Cezary Goes to War, Komuna Warszawa
- Virtual Stranger, by Army@TheFringe
- Army@TheFringe is presented by The Army in association with Summerhall. Summerhall is working with the Army to present a diverse programme of performance which tells stories of life in and out of uniform.
- Facilities at Hepburn House will include the relaxed and comfortable Mess Bar plus an Army Tuckshop.
- Summerhall is at 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL. Email [email protected]
- Details of all the shows can be found online at summerhall.co.uk
Facebook @ArmyatthefringeTwitter @ArmyatTheFringeWebsitewww.Armyatthefringe.org
For media information contact Matthew Shelley at SFPR on 07786704299 or [email protected]