performance+
CULTURAL DIVERSITY 2002
In 2002 Theatre du Pif were invited to devise and direct a community production that explored cultural diversity in Scotland.
The performance was based on the experiences of people from minority ethnic communities who have made Scotland their home and touched on issues such as immigration, racism, cultural identity, internationalism and unity. It involved performers from Libya, Pakistan, Germany, Hong Kong , Korea, Slovakia, China and Scotland. Once again the show sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and was described by the Scottish minister for culture as "Brilliant". The project was in collaboration with the Whale Arts Agency and was funded by the Scottish Arts Council.
Touring/Performance
Aug 2002
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Critic
"an exuberant and thought-provoking production"
Zoe Green, The Scotsman
Director's Note
From Libya to Pakistan from Slovakia to China. Diversity 2002 is a celebration of cultural diversity here in Scotland. Tonight's performance has its roots in a series of workshops we ran in April where the participants shared their experiences of living in Scotland. They talked about their first impressions of a place and culture that was for many far removed from their own.
Stories were told that related the difficulties they faced adapting to life in Scotland but as time passed people began to enjoy and treasure their new country. For some as you will see it was love at first sight! We also invited people to share more about their life in their own homeland and slowly the group got a taste of each other's cultures. Often literally as some brought in the exotic dishes of Africa and Asia for the rest of us to share.
What we found particularly interesting was how Diversity 2002 spans the decades. One participant arrived in Scotland from Germany shortly after the Second World War while our newest arrival came from Korea three months ago.
Scotland it seems has always drawn new people to its shores and by sharing stories, communicating and understanding aspects of each other's cultures then the future can surely be a bright one.