The National Theatre of Scotland has received funding from The Big Lottery Fund which will enable them to work with veterans’ families and the wider community as the award-winning play Black Watch returns to the stage.
The £36,600 will help address issues that many veterans face as they return to civilian life, through a variety of formats including performances, workshops, networking and public events. These activities will coincide with tour dates in Glasgow and Aberdeen.
BIG Scotland chair, Alison Magee, said: “The innovative approach taken by National Theatre Scotland, by linking this vital work with veterans to their critically acclaimed play Black Watch, will help to break down the barriers and stigmas that many face.
“We know there is a high number of veterans who experience a whole range of problems from substance abuse to mental ill health when they leave the armed forces. This is a significant and substantial piece of work that will fundamentally help those young men and women in Glasgow and Aberdeen who are struggling on their return to civilian life.”
Black Watch, written by Gregory Burke and directed by John Tiffany, was first staged at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in 2006 and has won 22 awards since – including Laurence Olivier and New York Drama Circle awards.
Hurtling from a pool room in Fife to an armoured wagon in Iraq, Black Watch is based on interviews conducted by Gregory Burke with former soldiers who served in Iraq.
Viewed through the eyes of those on the ground, Black Watch reveals what it means to be part of the legendary Scottish regiment, what it means to be part of the war on terror and what it means to make the journey home again.
Vicky Featherstone, artistic director of National Theatre of Scotland, said: “National Theatre of Scotland is delighted and proud to be working with the Big Lottery Fund on such an important project. The support for veterans returning from modern warfare is a vital necessity of our times. We are proud that the theatre National Theatre of Scotland creates has such relevance and urgency in today’s society and that we can open up our theatre without walls to help transform people’s lives. We are grateful for this opportunity to make ever closer connections with the different communities of Scotland.”
To find out more about the show, visit: Black Watch 2010
