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International Playwrighting Symposium - Autumn 2008

16th January 2008

Wick in Caithness sits at the heart of an ancient trade route which links Iceland with the oldest parliament in the world, Sweden with its modern culture of design and excellence, Norway where Stavanger2008 is the European Capital of Culture and the Faroe Islands where the chain dance which brings the entire community together and was instrumental in preserving the Faroese language.

Grey Coast will draw on all these influences and the Nordic commitment to social justice to explore new dramatic forms informed by our shared cultural heritage. Norse, Gaelic and Scots traditions can and should inform the storytelling of our own North theatre. Grey Coast is in the unique position of being able to bring theatre makers from all of these countries together here in Caithness to discover new shapes from old roots.

The first Nordic International Playwrighting Symposium will take place in late October 2008 bringing together writers, academics and theatre makers to debate new forms of dramatic discourse and begin a dialogue which will shape theatre practice nationally and internationally.

The first meeting of the Implementation Group which will direct and advise on the structure and content of the Symposium took place on Friday 11 January in Wick. Chaired by Rob Gibson MSP, this group consists of Councillor Bill Fernie, Dr Donna Deddle, Head of the UHI Centre of Nordic Studies at Orkney College, Donald Macbeath, Vice-Principal of North Highland College, Julie Ellen, Creative Director of Playwrights' Studio Scotland, Jacqui Clark, playwright and Development Officer with Shetland Arts Trust and George Gunn.

Grey Coast's George Gunn and John Cairns will be travelling to the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway and Sweden over the next two months to finalise the programme for the event with partner organisations in these countries.

'This is a great opportunity not only for theatre to explore new dramatic forms, but for an arts organisation to play its part in putting Wick and Caithness at the heart of the cultural debate here in Scotland and in Northern Europe.' said George Gunn speaking about this new event recently.

If you would like more information on the Symposium and to register your interest please contact info[AT]playwrightingsymposiumwick.net

The Symposium is funded by the Nordic Culture Point and by HIE CASE.