SCOTTISH PREMIERE
This collection of short plays audaciously explores the power of the arts in today's world events, political resistance and displays of artistic freedom.
Following a sell-out debut at London’s Arcola Theatre in 2024, Cutting the Tightrope dives into the ever-tightening grip of censorship on artistic freedom. Created in response to silence around Palestine on UK stages, this collection of political plays arrives at the International Festival with a fresh wave of urgency.
Written by a dynamic roster of playwrights, the pieces cut to the heart of contemporary struggles – from war zones to the silencing of dissent. Praised as ‘powerful, important, moving’ by Ben Jamal, Director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the show unflinchingly challenges the silencing of expression.
Expect an evening of daring, thought-provoking theatre that refuses to shy away from the truth. These voices demand to be heard.
"Last year, Arts Council England warned arts companies and those who work for them against making overtly political or activist statements. This collection of short plays is the urgent artistic response to that moment and audaciously explores the power of the arts in today's world events, political resistance and dialogue around artistic freedom" - Nicola Benedetti, Festival Director
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There will be a post-show talk after every performance. It will begin shortly after the performance ends and is expected to last approximately 40 minutes. You are welcome to stay for as little or as long as suits you.
The guest panelists at each performance of Cutting the Tightrope are as follows:
Thu 14 Aug: Hamish Morrison, Barnaby Raine, and Eman Alhaj Ali
Fri 15 Aug: Jess Brough, Leena Nammari and Faisal Saleh
Sat 16 Aug: Humza Yousaf (MSP), Asil Sidahmed and Dina Nayeri
Sun 17 Aug: Sara Sharaawi, Kendall Garnder, Lina Dohia
All post-show talks for Cutting the Tightrope are moderated by poet Zena Agha.