Artistic Director: Morven Gregor

Initial tour dates announced - full press release PDF available here

AT FOOTBALL YOU DON’T WIN EVERY GAME

Featuring performers from both countries, Brazil 12 Scotland 0 is written by Lewis-based Ian Stephen. 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. Told with humour and passion, the production aims to provoke and inspire audiences throughout Scotland.

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 Brazil 12 Scotland 0 is at the Arches in Glasgow. It is the opening event in a season called Ya Basta! – a Scotland-wide framework of cultural activities responding to the arrival of the G8 leaders in Gleneagles this July.

Birds of Paradise and Ya Basta!

Brazil 12 Scotland 0 is a piece of theatre reflecting the issue of land – something that affects all parts of the world.

However, the Company also wanted to seize this particular moment in time when the G8 are coming to Scotland and to make a creative response. That’s where Ya Basta! comes in. A chance for creating a cultural movement that encourages people to question what the G8 is about. At a time when politicians are worrying about apathy amongst voters, it should be remembered that social and cultural movements are thriving, active and have something important to say. In addition to BIRDS OF PARADISE, Ya Basta! includes performances by 7.84 and Kamerni Teater 55 (Bosnia), an Artist Forum, gigs, workshops, films and exhibitions. Further information: www.yabasta.org.uk

BIRDS OF PARADISE Artistic Director Morven Gregor says:

“The gathering of G8 leaders is an ideal moment to raise Scottish and international concerns, and revitalise Scottish theatre. People are making issue-based theatre and it seemed the right moment to pull all these people together.”

BIRDS OF PARADISE has already co-published a collection of creative writing called OUR LAND / AR DÙTHAICH, with contributions from MSPs, land campaigners and community activists.

What is Brazil 12 Scotland 0 about?

Simply, land, our relationship to it and questions of who owns it. Do we know or care enough about who owns the land we live on? Is land reform in Scotland really done and dusted? Why do two countries have such different approaches to the same problem? (In case anyone thinks the problem must be worse in Brazil, latest statistics show that

In Brazil 1% of the population owns 50% of the land while in Scotland 0.02% of the population own 66% of the land
[Source: Daemon 5, Our Land; Survivors Press; December 2004]

Seeing the passion and sense of empowerment of the people who’ve been part of community buy outs it is clear that something changes when a community can control its own present reality and future. Is there something that the rest of the country can learn from? And if increased local activism, democracy and accountability are widely perceived as desirable, then maybe there should be more buy outs and even further legislation to encourage more community ownership.

This inclusive touring production of Brazil 12 Scotland 0 will be accompanied by an exhibition, outreach workshops and post-show discussions. For more information contact Ann Philbrow on 0141 339 1155.