Fighting for the Land

BIRDS OF PARADISE Theatre Company are touring their latest production around Scotland this month. The company will be logging their experiences on this diary of their travels for the Arts Journal.

THE NEW PLAY, Brazil 12 Scotland 0, is written by Lewis-based poet and playwright Ian Stephen, and features performers from both countries. The performance uses music, storytelling and some neat football skills to open a gently ironic window into our national psyche.

In this game the prize is worth fighting for – the land we live on. In Brazil, communities invade unused land; in Scotland we undertake feasibility studies and buy out landlords who want to sell. However, change is in the air. The play captures the mood of the moment, as two island communities attempt to force land sales and push Land Reform Legislation to its limits.

Cast on field trip to Carbeth (l-r: Rachel Amey, John Hollywood, Robert Softley - seated -, Alyth McCormack, Gael Le Cornec)

Brazil 12 Scotland 0 is directed by Morven Gregor and designed by Claire Halleran. The cast of disabled and non-disabled actors includes Gael Le Cornec from Brazil alongside Rachel Amey, John Hollywood, Alyth McCormack and Robert Softley. The premiere of the play at the Arches in Glasgow is also the opening event in Ya Basta!, a Scotland-wide framework of cultural activities responding to the arrival of the G8 leaders in Gleneagles this July.

Monday 16 May 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

After several months of planning and fund-raising and four weeks of rehearsals, it’s finally here – Production Week for Brazil 12 Scotland 0.

Today’s been a strange day, a little oasis of calm before the storm – not what I would have predicted a month ago. There’s a slight temptation to reflect back on the whole process so far, but it’s too early for nostalgia – got to keep the focus on the game in hand (and yes those football analogies will keep on creeping in).

So, the tech team have stripped the rehearsal room bare and are probably even at this moment still setting themselves up in The Arches, our first venue.

That leaves the five actors (Gael, Rachel, Alyth, Robert and John) and I with an empty room and a chance to do some exercises to free the mind and performances of predictable patterns. They perform the whole play silently, then the lines at double speed, Robert abandons his wheelchair and we all play some of the workshop games we’ll be taking to school groups.

Then, keeping Ivan Golac (football manager, not theatre practitioner) in mind, we go and smell the flowers or, to be more accurate, we go and visit Carbeth Estate, just 12miles out of Glasgow, but where there’s been a bit of a land dispute going on for the last seven or more years. It’s not Brazil, where lives are often on the line when the MST invade unused land and it’s not like other parts of Scotland where people live every day with Estate owners taking decisions about their future without consultation – but the passion that people in Carbeth feel for the land and environment is just as strong and with a history of burnouts and bankruptcies it’s pretty dramatic. We have a seat in the sun, tell stories about the land, pat dogs and drink tea – is this really the start of Production Week?

Tuesday 17 May 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

Tech day. Into The Arches space for the first time. Claire’s set looks fantastic – unfortunately we soon realise that it has to be moved 25cm back – not a huge job, but not one we were expecting.

Techs are slow, everything always takes longer than you think it will. A few times through the day I find I’m telling myself to breathe out, slow down and just allow everyone the time they need to sort lighting states, lighting cues, sound cues, props, costumes, etc.

Shona the Production Manager is a star – juggling 1001 tasks. She tells me that one of the actors has had to have an emergency dentist appointment, we proof read the programme under the seating bank and share a sandwich for lunch as we catch up on everything from ticket sales to staffing rotas.

As the day wears on (and this is a long one), other parts of the venue are used by other people, I’m quite entertained by the dancing hairdressers, but the live concert while we’re trying to sort sound levels is more of a distraction. Guess that must just be a typical day for the venue! The folk there try to smooth as many pathways as possible, which is appreciated.

Get home late, tired, hungry and trying to relax because tomorrow we do it all again!

Wednesday 18 May 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

Second Tech day and also the day before we open.

This morning we take up exactly where we left off last night – real time seems suspended somehow – home, sleep, wake up and start again. News about the outside world just manages to filter in – George Galloway (formerly my MP) seems to have shaken things up a bit in the U.S of A – maybe he’ll do the same here!

At one point this morning, during the stop-start of the tech, I suddenly wonder if the play I thought was in good shape will ever find its shape again – it’s a bit like cutting up a photograph, once you’ve done it, can you ever reconstruct the original, or in fact will some new elements and colours actually make the original more interesting?

However, now at the end of the day, with two runs under the belt, everything has come together. Still a few things to sort for tomorrow, both in the theatre and front of house – but we’ll get there. Everyone, cast and crew, has put in lots of effort and gone home truly tired. All the same, I know they’ll find even more for tomorrow.

Thursday 19 May 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

Opening Night

Pop into the office first thing, copy some info sheets, make a couple of calls.

Off to the shops – buying cards, etc for the actors- that strange feeling when you spend lots of money fast.

Into the theatre, check lighting cues with David.

Building up to Dress Rehearsal- with every minute problems are getting smoothed.

Dress is fine – notes then break until show call.

Wrapping gifts under the seating bank.

The show approaches. Front of house starts to look the part – thanks to Charlotte and the Arches people. Actors/company/crew/Claire/me exchange cards, etc. There’s a great group feeling – really touching.

And then the audience arrive. The whole show comes alive. The actors pull everything they have out of the bag. The audience respond. It’s amazing alchemy. Full house, great response, couldn’t have wished for a better opening night.

And after, what a mixed audience – indigenous people from Ecuador in feather headdresses, Scottish CP land campaigners, board members, funders, students and activists. A good night.

Friday 20 May 2005 – Diary entry by Ian Stephen, Writer

Get the feeling Morven is quite a happy Director. As much the whole ambience of the opening and the continuing feeling of a good team game as the 4 star review in the Herald. Never mind the stars, the review is great because it says what the play is really about. And it’s witty.

So, after a morning of press-stuff – important for ensuring our future audiences – it was out to lunch with Morven and Shona, the production manager – i.e. she who maketh things happen. A few magicians in this outfit.

So how does a writer feel after the first night of a new play? Well, unlike a poem on a page, a script is not a work. It’s a thing which exists when it comes off the page. I think I could imagine how it would sound, after attending rehearsals to fine-tune the text. The visual side was the exciting development – how the movement and imagery works with Clare’s cool set to provide that other dimension.

A bit more on the team-game – how it works. Think of jazz or a goodgoing freeform ceilidh session – Ok there are feature spots where the design or the language or the movement or the music comes to the fore. But then its effortlessly back to the ensemble – the engine made up of all the bits.

Confession time – my game was rugby rather than football – but the same applies. These individual flashes, dipping and diving, can only come from solid groupwork. My own favourite line in the play is where Carla the Brazilian woman explains to Andy, the Scots guy that Scotland is the size of a freckle in relation to Brazil, a whole human body. That one rang home on opening night and I was aware it came from the actors playing with possible scenes during the initial development week. So it is as much Rachel’s line as mine.

And I think that’s the point of Morven’s method of developing a theatre piece. She has a strong vision but it’s realised as much by giving scope to others as by leading all the members of the company down a definite road. I sure wanna be in that number.

I think the work will become easier, more relaxed, more clear as the tour develops. The shifts from banter to emotion are already there but I think these will also become more natural.

OK the writer’s job is done and I’m into the next project. But I’m rushing for the plane home, struggling through Glasgow with a rampant Bird of Paradise flower to protect. It’s quite big but the company are not going to let me leave without it.

Saturday 21 May 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

A morning doing my own thing is refreshing and then it’s in to The Arches for 3.30pm to help set up a bit for the Ya Basta! Artists’ Forum. Ya Basta! is 8 weeks of cultural action in the lead up to the G8 – since the initial idea came from me, both Birds of Paradise andBrazil 12 Scotland 0 are very much part of the programme.

This afternoon’s discussion is hosted by Mark Brown, theatre critic for the Sunday Herald. Since I’ve never met him and because I know he’ll review the show tonight I’m slightly on edge. Relieved that Rachel from the cast and some other good friends are there.

The discussion is by turns surprising, frustrating and interesting. Surprising because we talk about what makes good art – when I’d expected to talk about the politics of either the G8 or land reform. Frustrating because we go around in a few circles. And interesting because a variety of artforms are represented and there seems to be an enthusiasm in the air for something to evolve from the meeting.

I split fairly sharply to catch up with the actors – the very end of the show needs to be tweaked. We finish with, amongst other elements, a song. On Friday it didn’t go well and we have to sort it. Thankfully the solution came easily, so I just need to get actors and tech crew together to rehearse the change. We all feel happier as a result.

The house is much busier than I’d expected, and as well as Mark Brown, there’s several friends in and Joyce McMillian from the Scotsman (and just to add to the nerves, Shona and I lost her front of house as we delivered press packs).

Show goes well. I’m happy with the altered ending.

And then it’s our first get out – the run at The Arches is over and everything has to be packed up and got into the van for the start of the tour! It’s one of those situations where I want to help, but also not get in the way – I end up packing the publication and exhibition – that keeps us all safe.

After, The Davids (Technical and Stage Managers), Shona and I go for a drink. We discuss, amongst other things, the importance of grassroots arts and outreach work. If only the discussion had gone that way this afternoon…..

Monday 23 May 2005 – Diary entry by Shona Rattray, Production Manager

It’s Monday morning and it’s back to the office! We start the day talking about football – in my family it’s viewed as being more important than life itself – Celtic (my team) throwing away the league and Dundee United (Morven’s team) staying in the Premiership. We will have fun together on the 28th!!

The first part of the day is spent catching up on e-mails and calculating overtime payments from last week. Then we receive a flying visit from Chris Lord (Marketing). He drops off an article from the Scotland on Sunday newspaper – shouts “later” and he’s away again.

It is now lunchtime – I have no idea where the morning has gone, some days are just like that. Serious business after lunch – the schedule for the last two weeks of the tour and publicity for Edinburgh. It is 7 o’clock and the full-time whistle has now blown.

Tuesday 24 May 2005 – Diary entry by Robert Softley, actor

This being the first diary entry from one of us actor-bods, I’m feeling slightly under pressure to produce a volume of wit and pizzazz – don’t hold your breath! Today’s been a day of pressure – being the first day of taking the show ‘on tour’, a lot had to be relearned after our week of getting comfortable with the show in The Arches. We were performing in Ashcraig School in Glasgow, a special school for physically disabled secondary-aged students, oh yeah, and the school I went to until I was 16 – yet more pressure!

I arrived at 11.45 on the dot to find The Two Davids (we’re thinking of turning them in to a new comedy show but, being techies, they’re not very funny!) had got pretty far on with the get in. Fellow actors arrived shortly afterwards so first priority was, of course, to get the kettle on! In to costume and warming up before I really had time to think about much and then it was the long wait backstage for the audience to arrive. I had registered that I’d be playing to many of my old teachers but had figured that, in true professional style, I’d be 100% focused and anyway, they’d be in the dark. Well, no – this being a school gym hall, there was no darkness! Walking on stage to see these faces that had taught you at the age of twelve staring back wasn’t the most relaxing experience! The show seemed to go well – the hall acoustics were awful so it was hard to gauge if anyone could hear you – but the audience appeared to go with the show. Being a younger audience, the fight scene and me getting tied up was more engaging than the issues of land reform, but to me it was really important that these young people saw a disabled person up on stage doing a job that they probably thought was impossible for them to do. Geez, I think even the teachers had their doubts about me being a ‘real’ professional actor – like I said, pressure!

An actor’s work is never done! Robert and Gael start on the get out after the show

Post show was the get out – this is where touring really differs from a run in one theatre. Once us actors are out of costume, we all muck in to get all of the set, props, lights, sound equipment, etc., in to the van. As you’ll see from the photo, an actor never stops playing to his audience, even when wrapping up cables by the mile! At this point I remembered how much work touring is – doing a 70 minute show is physically straining but to then shift heavy equipment for another two hours is a great way to get in shape! All that done I headed home for some rest, something I doubt I’ll get a lot of in the coming weeks! We’re up at 6 am tomorrow to get over to Gigha – aarrrggg!

Wednesday 25 May 2005 – Diary entry by Alyth McCormack, actress

Left Glasgow in the rain. Twisty windy 3 and a half hour journey arrived Tayinloan in good spirits – in the rain! Had never been to Gigha before so really looking forward to it. Have been lucky enough over the years to visit many of the Scotland’s islands, Shetland, Iona, Eriskay, Staffa, Benbecula, Barra to name a few and its nooks and crannies and unspoilt places, Knoydart included, and was sure Gigha would be just as much fun.

First port of call after the 20 minute ferry journey was the post office/local grocery to stock up on supplies, essential on tour it keeps you sane, then on to the venue. A small hall so a bit of re jigging with the lighting rig and floor cloth but a cosy night to be had. Left the David’s and Shona to it and Morven, John and I headed off to the local primary school for their Drama workshop. Leaving Gael, Robert and Rachel to do a little exploring.

The primary in Gigha has 15 pupils ranging from 5 -11. Lovely kids. A little shy at first but they soon got into the swing of things. Drama workshops are great for fuelling kids imaginations – anything goes really. We encourage them to come up with ideas, images and stories through a series of games. It’s often very entertaining! We used one of the stories from the play which is about the headmaster from Assynt who used to let the children play on the ice once he had tested it to take his weight, as the basis for them acting out a scene. They were all very taken with this and came up with some lovely sketches. Afterall the potential for a headmaster to fall through ice is very entertaining for 5-11 years olds! Obviously children’s ideas differ depending on where they are brought up and their experiences of life. Farming was quite prominent in my group and a I spent some part of this Tuesday after noon pretending to be a cow. Don’t remember that in the job description? But in this game you’ve to keep a pretty open mind. I think I actually made a very good cow..…….The afternoon was rounded off by a very pleasant walk back to the hall in the RAIN and then a lift on to our accommodation.

Another treat on tour, or maybe not so, is accommodation. The words ‘B&B’ can strike fear into the heart of a seasoned touring actor and ‘hotel’ is a term that can be used very loosely by certain proprietors when the describe their accommodation but not so in Gigha. We were all very happily shown to our rooms for the night at Achamore House and had time to enjoy our surroundings and the beautiful gardens before our sound check and warm ups for the nights performance.

The hall was sold out; packed to the gunnels. Due to the nature of the play and Gigha being the site of one of the buy outs in Scotland, lots of the locals had turned out. Some had already been involved in work with the BoP company as they had offered pieces of work for the company booklet ‘Our Land’. It was a fine show and meant a lot to us all as we were playing for an audience that had taken that difficult step in buying their own land and even in our short time there we certainly saw what benefit that had made to their community. A few stayed around to help us with our get out that night and then it was off to the pub to meet with the rest of the locals and chat about the show. David Graham also turned 23 this day so a small refreshment was had to celebrate this. The locals were in great form and thoroughly enjoyed the show and appreciated the company travelling over to put on the play. I met a lovely sculptor called Vi Tulloch who was 85 years old and had lived there for 50 years. Due to her failing eye sight she wasn’t able to work anymore but she was certainly still full of the joys of life! And John Martin was a Gaelic speaker so we had a wee natter. I also had a very interesting chat with one local about their 3 wind turbines which is a topic I am interested in, as there have been plans for a large site of turbines in Lewis for some time. The benefits to the community in Gigha by owning their own turbines is quite substantial as opposed to a that of a company coming in and managing them. News I will be passing on to the folks back home.

Back at Achamore House, we made it our ‘home’ for the night. Don who’s home it is and who runs it as accommodation and a holistic retreat had given us the run of the place. What a joy and much appreciated. Gael, David Ramsay and I got stuck into the cooking. (Another essential on tour – the ability to cook – suddenly you become everyone’s friend). Some of the boys played a bit of snooker and we just chilled. All saying that we would certainly be back to Gigha.

Left the next morning in GLORIOUS SUNSHINE! Aah, Scotland in all its glory! But don’t just take my word of it – go visit it for yourselves.

Friday 27 May 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

Today we head off for Aberdeen – passing Gleneagles and Dundee en route.

Robert and I do a bit of electronic paperwork during the journey – technology can be a splendid thing, especially when you’ve got a guide like Robert. (Although we can also blame it for missing our Gigha entry, which will come soon, I hope.)

Get to Aberdeen just in enough time for Rachel and I to hop in a taxi and head off for the workshop. We’d been expecting a group that Rachel had worked with in the past, however, it turned out to be a different group all together, an over 50s’ drama group. They were up for everything – but I got the feeling that none of us quite knew what we were letting ourselves in for.

Back on a bus to the city centre with Alex from the Lemon Tree, grabbing a sandwich, and into the theatre. All seems well there. Because it’s an established theatre venue, we don’t need to get in the whole kit, that’s grand. The theatre space in the Lemon Tree is lovely and the set looks just smashing with more space here than even The Arches.

Come house open it’s a tiny audience, which is a shame because it’s one of those performances when the actors just hit everything spot on. Having said that, the audience are very responsive and that makes a difference.

Post show I meet with quite a few of the audience – activists and friends of Ian – I have a splendid conversation with a French woman – land reform and revolution! Other good folk too.

We finish off the night by heading to the concert downstairs – The Battlefield Band with guests from Uzbekistan – good music and great showmanship! Neither John, Shona or I can resist their stall of goodies, although I did pass on the sequined hat, but I may live to regret that!

Tuesday 31 May 2005 – Diary entry by the whole company

Shona’s Birthday!

A sunny start to the day makes a good change especially since we’re off along Loch Lommond, through Glencoe at arriving at Ballachulish – this is the Scotland of the play!!

Morven

Today was my first day driving the van (first day ever driving a van) and I drove the whole way! For people who know the A82 from Tarbet to Crainlarich, it made for an interesting drive. That part of the road is crazy at the best of times in a car, but in a van that is almost 50% wider and at least 100% longer, it was a little nerve wracking to say the least. Anyway, I soon got used to it, and I think that I am going to enjoy driving some of the roads that are yet to come in the Highlands. The hall itself here in Ballachulish seemed perfect for the size of the show, and it made things easier having some heavy power for our dimmers to plug into. Rigging was quicker today in terms of lighting and patching got done faster than it has been. It would be nice if we could get things done even quicker in future days so that we have time for a proper breather and something to eat before the show goes up. Anyway, they say that practice makes perfect! …and that past performance is not necessarily a guide to future disappointments!

David

Hi from the absent designer… Ballachulish sounded like the kind of place I’d like to spend an evening with the company. It was great to see the show in another venue, another fantastic performance and great to see the team haven’t managed to trash the set, yet. The scenery here is beautiful and as the sun has set after the show finished it reminded me of the pictures we looked at as we were researching for the production.

Hearing the chat and laughs from the company really makes me wish I was on the road with them. Can’t wait until Edinburgh to hear all the tales of the tour.

Claire

The sunset at the mountains really do look like the back cloth of the set, I think. Or then again that could be the influence of the birthday drinks!

M

Wednesday 1 June 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

An interesting day, for me, in that Perth is an unusual venue in a couple of ways; firstly there’s the whole G8 and Gleneagles thing and us talking about land invasions ( amongst other things!) and secondly we’re playing Upperspringland a theatre space in a community complex for disabled people. That provokes a lot of questions; is that a fantastic place for us to play because a lot of disabled peole will attend and see our working attitude to inclusion? or are we endorsing an environment of separation and exculsion? I find quite a few of the cast in reflective mood; even the best run of institutions can have that affect, even if you’re only visiting.

However, come the show everyone is on good form and the audience engage with the performance in slightly unexpected ways. The line; “More like a boot in the arse” gets a perfectly timed OOOOh of the sort that Frankie Howard would have been proud of.

There’s also a ripple of appreciation at the appearance of a bottle of cachaca out of the bar . However, the best response of all ( without wanting to give away the plot) is when folk join in the cheering at the final celebration! That breaking down of the audience/performer barrier can be one to savour!

Thursday 2 June 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

We set out at the start of our longest leg of the tour – scenery 12, weather 0.

One of the recurring tricky bits about touring is grub. Take today for instance, we leave Glasgow after lunch (so no problem there) and arrive at Fort William – just in time for all the shops except supermarkets to be closing. I grab the type of thing I’d never usually eat – a pre-made salad – (I mean does a bit of pasta, lettuce, carrot and cheese really cost £2 to make??). The actors grab various snacks – with even Robert getting some fruit. Shona, as usual, manages to track down a decent coffee. They’re all planning on eating something more hearty later.

The journey becomes longer and nastier; a car has gone off the road and there’s a huge tail back – the rain gets heavier, the mist comes down – Shona leads us safely into Kyle and then it’s the game of hunt the accomodation. Up until now we’ve all been staying either in the same place or pretty close by, however, tonight we’re scattered to the four winds. We drop Aylth and Rachel first – their hotel can give them something to eat, if they go and order immediately. They head off to do just that. The Davids (they travel together in the van with the set and all) call – where are you? They’re already at the Guest House where five of the rest of us are staying. The owner is threatening to lock us out! This does not improve the tired and hungry mood in our motor. We still need to drop off Robert and Gael and find some food for everyone.

The Davids are asked to get the keys for the rest of us and we set off looking for Sonas B&B. Of course there’s more than one Sonas B&B. After driving up a rather steep viewpoint road – but not seeing much except clouds and phantom houses – knocking on several doors, we eventually return to the road we started on and more by inspiration than anything else find the place, despite it not having a B&B sign.

Two more actors sorted – but no grub for them – John had spotted a carry-out place in Kyle, that’ll take an order over the phone if we can do it before 9.45pm. That’s the exact time when we drop off Rob and Gael. Quick confab about what everyone wants, call in the order, they’ll have it waiting for them. What ever they want to charge us will be a bargain! Back the same road for maybe the fourth time. We arrive at the chippie a bit after the closing time, but they’ve got it all wrapped and ready to go! While John squares up there – I chance my arm at the bar next door for a couple of cans – Bingo!

Final drive back to Rob and Gael, deliver their grub, and then finally the remaining three head down to the hotel. We do get let in, but it’s not the warmest of welcomes. Beyond caring too much, John and Shona get munching and we all share a beer. Remarkably the £2 salad has kept me going fine! So, is there a solution to the touring/eating problem – well I don’t know. When you’re driving, setting up, doing a performance and then a get out all in one day it’s even more complicated. Three friends have all offered to come along as cooks – maybe I should have taken them up on the offer and organised things movie style with a catering van added to our little fleet!

Friday 3 June 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

Slept in and missed breakfast!

The five of us staying in the one place meet together at about 10.30. The Davids are keen to get away – Shona and I aren’t far behind. Driving into Plockton we find ourselves behind some Highland Cows and calves – I’m sure I read something recently about a court case challenging their right to roam.

The coos won, of course.

Arriving in the village I can feel the climate being milder. We unload into the village hall – then off on a search for coffee. Plockton hall is bigger than Gigha, but still a bit of a squeeze for the set. We lose width on the back cloths and some depth on the floor. In each place the actors have to walk through-checking the new space relationships, with Lighting David making changes too. It’s another venue where the audience can sit on the stage while we perform on the floor.

The show goes well – interesting ripple of reaction tonight in response to the “with an accent like yours are you sure it’s Scotland you should be supporting?” line.

After, speaking to two folk in the audience who work for the Land Fund – they told me that the new Assynt buy-out has just gone through! Wow! I’ve meet quite a few folk involved in various buy-outs, but this news seems like a strange meeting of fact and fiction. We head up that way tomorrow. Also in the audience is one of my pals, Fran, who drove up from Glasgow. Fran has a smashing wee girl called Ava, she’s not yet two, but she sits through the whole thing. At the end we let her wander about the set – now our mountain really does look like a mountain.

As we’re packing up, Aylth says to me, you know we don’t mind if you don’t watch every show. A very considerate thought. I know I don’t have to watch every show and I don’t want the actors to feel any pressure of me being there – but as much as watching them, which I enjoy, I like getting the feel of the audience reaction – what resonates in which place. That’s all part of the alchemy of it for me.

Friday 3 June 2005 – Diary entry by Gael Le Cornec, actress

A series of unexpected events made the journey Glasgow- Plockton though really long very exciting. Firstly, we left Glasgow a bit later than we expected, then got stuck on the road due to an accident and when we finally got to Kyle of Lochalsh, we couldn’t find the B& B where we were supposed to stay. Imagine yourself in the back of a big green van, a rainy day, then the light getting darker and darker till everything around becomes pitch-black. Going up a mountain, the rain getting heavier, trees all around, a very few houses all with lights switched off. Not a human soul, a car or an animal. Tension rising among the passengers, some thinking whether or not a knock on one of the local houses would be that bad. It reminded me of a film, or probably several ones, where the place the characters were suppose to get, in fact never existed. To compensate our unfortunate journey, the landscape was breathtaking. From up there, the mountains on the other side looked colossal. The light was also perfect, I had to spread my eyes like a cat to incorporate the maximum I could from the lakes, valleys, hills. Such a difference for someone who comes from a flat green land. Not many geographical accidents on the road in the middle of the Amazonian rain forest, well, I better say other kind of accidents.

After a long night sleep in the ghost B&B -it was one of the two nights of the tour we didn’t have any performance – we met up at 2 o’clock to catch up for lunch. And what a surprise to see the town called Plockton: houses with pretty gardens opening their front doors to the sea. Lots of tourists, kids on the beach, dogs on the streets. You would believe you were in front the Mediterranean, well, the sunny day was contributing for this image. Most of us were outdoors until only a few minutes before the performance, trying to get that Brazilian feeling and suntan into the show. And we probably did, since it was one of our best performances.

Forgot to say, Plockton has the best hot chocolate of the mainland!

Saturday 4 June 2005 – Diary entry by Rachel Amey, actress

Achiltibuie on Saturday….and a clear morning’s run from Kyle of Lochalsh with a pit stop in Ullapool to drop off bags and pick up food. A stunning journey in the sun, matching the mountains to the names on the maps and running a wee sweepstake for the Scotland / Moldova game. The venue was Coigach hall, a beautiful and friendly community space with a library, showers, kitchen, snooker room(!) garden…you name it. Lovely afternoon in the sun (apologies to all doing the get -in ) including a wander to the hydroponicum, and an encounter with Morven’s pal Bryan who had cycled from Kyle of Lochalsh -“it had better be a good show” was his parting shot.

Can’t begin to describe the view and shan’t try. I forget how a sense of perspective changes when you can see so far. Felt very lucky to be here, aware of the Assynt Foundation’s success with the latest bid up the road and feeling a million miles from the subterranean bustle of The Arches in Glasgow.

“What’s the score?” asked Robert, lounging on the lawn.

“2-0″ I replied.

“Who to?”

“Us” I said “Oh, well….’you’, I suppose, not ‘us’.” – south of the border and with an accent like mine, can’t really claim an “us”, but kind of forgot for a moment. Maybe there’s something in this football lark after all.

Good audience, including two of the “new landownwers” from Lochinver and lots of post show chat going on as we packed up – (was pleased to hear Bryan had considered his journey worth it) Charlotte and Kim plus their pals were up from the office to film the performance, and Charlotte caught up with most of us later for a wee spiel for the D.V.D.

“What do you get out of it?” she asked.

I couldn’t begin to explain anything and after a long gasping pause managed: “loads….”. She laughed.

Finally from Achiltibuie back to Ullapool, still with enough light to watch the shapes of the hills change as you pass by, and in search of a bar as Sunday was our day off…….

And the sweepstake? It went to Gael……….Brazil still winning.

Sunday 5 June 2005 – Diary entry by Rachel Amey, actress

Sunday and day off today……I surfaced late, too much cachaca on Saturday night. It is a Brazilian spirit made from sugar cane juice. I will say no more. (Although my partner informed me on the phone far too early in the morning that you can run vehicles on it….) We all kind of did our own thing – Aylth running, Robert with his grandparents, Gael singing (I could hear her though the walls), Morven lunch with pals, Shona was asleep, I watched River City and East Enders, the Davids took the white van up to lots of beaches (fab photos) and John was on a wander round town. Bumped into most people in the supermarket later where Shona and Morven were shopping for our evening barbeque – and then down past the wee golf course to the beach and unloaded the van.

One of the best barbeques I have been to, lots to drink, lots to eat, lots to laugh at and a view to die for as the sun went down. John I imagine had dismantled several people’s sheds to provide wood for a – much needed- fire, and also even a chair for Robert’s grandma to sit on. David proved chef extraordinaire and Aylth concocted chocolate filled bananas to be roasted …………fantastic.

And we met (well, kind of adopted) Flo, a German biker who we left on the beach by the fire sitting in the armchair after making him agree to come with us to Lewis, see the play, come to the party and stay at Aylth’s house on Monday! Great stuff.

Monday 6 June 2005 – Diary entry by Alyth McCormack, actress

Well this was going to be a big one. Ian Stephen’s home territory and my home territory. There’s nothing like a home crowd to focus your attention!

I do love coming home and am always pleased when tours I do can included Stornoway. Transport costs cannot always accomodate this but it’s always been fun when they have.

Arrived in SY – glorious sunshine. A treat! How pleased was I that the other actors got a chance to see Lewis at its best. I do think folk visiting the islands should get to experience them in all weathers – which they often can in 1 day – but in saying that the sunshine and dryness we had was a treat. A quick drop off at guest houses and hotels and then on to the venue.

A new An Lanntair Arts Centre is currently being built in SY but at the moment bigger shows are still being played at the Town Hall. The site of many a panto and gig I have performed since childhood so it’s not unfamiliar but that still didn’t help with the nerves on Monday. I was fine till I got behind the curtian before we went on and then things just got worse. I am on stage throughout the play so once I’m on I’M ON don’t really have a moment to collect my thoughts unnoticed, but did try my best to control my breathing without obviously panting.

Night went with a swing and we all felt we’d had a good show. Plenty laughs and jokes enjoyed that night – more so. SY humour can be a dry thing but we and the audience were going for it. Faces in the audience I knew and others I didn’t – always encouraging. And considering what a beautiful day it was – what an audience we got! I think Ian and I did pretty well. (The relief).

Locals always willing to help and Flo the German biker who’d tagged along from our bar-b-que in Ullapool; the get out was done in no time.

Then off to Sandwick, cast, crew, writer and Flo the German biker, to eat too much and be entertained by my Mum and Dad. All the stories I told are true! They surpassed themselves this time and as I’d mentioned one of the cast, Robert, had a sweet tooth they made 6 puddings! Don’t remember that when I was wee. My Mother’s almost military like campaign to stop me eating sweet things wouldn’t have allowed that. The trouble Granny got into when I returned home covered in chocolate. Still I do have all my own teeth! (Sorry digressing a bit).

A lovely day had by all – I can safely say – finished off by Dad’s Apple cake and Mum ironing all the costumes! A team game.

Tuesday 7 June 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

Sadly the sun didn’t follow us today – we drive from Lewis, passing two of the land raid monunments, through the mountains to Harris.

After a bit of lunch, John and I head off to the Sir E. Scott High School for a workshop.

The kids are grand – a little shy and nervous, but bursting with potential – I’d love to work with them over a longer period of time. At about 14years old they have lots of energy and will try anything. Chatting with their teacher, he explains that they don’t have a lot of time to do drama, but would be happy to see us again. So who knows?

However, he also warns us not to expect a large audience for the show. With one warning you can put it down to one person’s feelings, but the school secretary echoes his sentiments. I start to get a little concerned.

Back at the hall, we find out that there’s a meeting on in the room adjacent to the performing space at the same time as the show. Starting to get more concerned I plaster the outside of the venue with posters.

At show time, I’m very tempted to kidnap the meeting people into the audience – I nearly manage on one occasion!

In the end we get thirteen – could have been worse – but they also seem very quiet.

I try to laugh out loud to encourage the actors – but I know the show so well I find it a bit hard. Hats off to them, they do a great job anyway – a really measure of their professionalism and it seems that the folk who did see it all enjoyed the show.

Wednesday 8 June 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

I jumped ship today and drove off early with the Davids to make a workshop at Stoneybridge Primary School. Small school – great teachers- great kids- Gaelic medium, although I stuck with English. Throughout the whole island, I really enjoy hear Gaelic being used as the language of everyday communication – not just the formal speeches that you sometimes hear in Glasgow.

Shona and the actors leave Harris later – beautiful views of white beaches, even in the rain, they look Caribbean. Also surprised to see a helicopter parking beside a house! Robert got control of the sound system – turning the van into a mobile sing-a-long machine.The bird life is amazing – we see three owls in the one day.

Back at Stoneybridge I get a lift to Borrodale from the Mum of one of the kids – she fills me on the news of the buy-out here. They justed voted on Monday to go ahead – a huge area taking in most of South Uist, some of Benbecula and all of Eriskay. (As Alyth says later, how do we fit all that into the song !)

The audience isn’t huge – but they’re enthusiastic. A lot of teenagers, one of whom had brought a box of chocolates, as you do going to the theatre – great. The show goes well, all the footie references reminding us all that there is a Scotland game on tonight (and yes, we do have another sweepstake going). Post show, folk are really interested in the MST, we chat as magically tea and cakes are produced. It’s been a great visit, not many companies do tour here apparently – I think we’ll be back.

The venue was the church hall, one woman asked if the priest came in to the show, when told he hadn’t she threatened not to go to chapel on Sunday! She got a row from one of her pals – for giving the teenagers a bad example!

And the footie, 0-0 and the sweepstakes? Despite our best efforts the Brazilian won again !!

Thursday 9 June 2005 – Diary entry by Morven Gregor, Director

Started the day finding a tic just above my ankle – that’s what you get for wandering through nettles taking photographs! A quick call home for tic-removal advice and it’s down to the hotel bar for either vinegar or vodka!

Robert is mildly horrified – never having encountered one before. Aylth does a good matron impersonation – removing the beastie with her tweezers. Definately a team game this!

Robert and I head off to Paible School for a couple of workshops. Again, great kids – really up for everything. The second group has a three to one, boy to girl ratio.

We do one exercise contrasting Glasgow with North Uist- the perceptions are intersting; Glasgow is noisey, full of traffic, emergency sirens, pneumatic drills, people. North Uist has the sound of the sea, animal noise and people speaking Gaelic – can’t really argue with that. Don’t think it’ll be too long until I’m back here whether on business or not.

In the evening the audience is disappointingly small, especially since we’d been invited to come, however we have some interesting chat about the South Uist vote and the gang are as professional as ever. For the first time during the show, my mind wanders – I start pondering the next project, round of applications and how to develop audiences. Got to view this tour as a seed – hopefully the branches will be bigger and stronger next year.

Back at the hotel, the owners and staff have really done their best for us – despite it being after their usual serving hours – there’s a huge plate of sandwiches, soup and chips waiting for us. Yipee! Turns out the owner used to be the chef at the Traverse in Edinburgh – guess that explains his understanding of hungry performers!

Brazil 12 Scotland 0 is supported by the Scottish Arts Council Access and Participation scheme, Glasgow City Council, The Craignish Trust, The Hugh Fraser Foundation, The Garfield Weston Foundation, David Laing Foundation and RKT Harris Trust. The Highland leg of the tour is being supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise Touring Arts Programme.

•The Arches, Glasgow, 19 – 21 May 2005

•Village Hall, Gigha, 25 May 2005

•Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, 27 May 2005

•Village Hall, Ballachulish, 31 May 2005

•Upper Springland, Perth, 1 June 2005

•Village Hall, Plockton, 3 June 2005

•Village Hall, Achilitbuie, 4 June 2005

•An Lanntair, Stornoway, Lewis 6 June 2005

•Village Hall, Tarbert, Harris, 7 June 2005

•St Peter’s Hall, Daliburgh, South Uist, 8 June 2005

•Village Hall, Carinish, North Uist 9 June 2005

Tour dates include:

Birds of Paradise – the Company

BIRDS OF PARADISE is a professional touring theatre company, which produces adventurous and challenging work that places disability in the public arena. The Company has toured throughout Scotland for 12 years with inventive programmes of performances and workshops, both for traditional theatre-going audiences and people who have difficulty experiencing theatre due to disability or geographical isolation.

BIRDS OF PARADISE shares its knowledge of good practice across the arts and disability sector with a clear objective: to increase the number of disabled professional theatre practitioners working in Scotland. The Company recognise that in order to reverse hundreds of years of discrimination against people with physical disabilities, it needs to present high quality work and positive role models for contemporary Scottish Theatre, its audiences and practitioners.

These role models are also engaged to support the Company’s work with physically disabled young people, who continue to be excluded from participating and engaging in the arts. Since 1995, the company has intensively trained 150 people over 22 acting courses and technical skills. 400 general Outreach and Taster Workshops have been run, involving approximately 4800 people. There have been 7 inclusive touring productions with disabled and non-disabled performers and stage workers. 23 disabled actors have been employed. 12 non-disabled actors have also been employed. 4 disabled people were employed in technical jobs.

Previous Productions include: The Farce of Circumstance, by Tom Lannon (1995); The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui by Bertolt Brecht (1996); Tongues, by Sam Shephard and Joseph Chaikin (1997); Working Legs, by Alistair Gray (1998 commission); Playing for Keeps by Archie Hind (1998 commission); Merman by Susan McClymont and Dave Buchanan (2000 commission); Twelve Black Candles by Des Dillon (2001); The Irish Giant, by Garry Robson (2003)