The Arches Referendum Festival

With Scottish Independence being the hot topic of conversation, not just across Scotland but across the world, The Arches bring their Referendum Festival in an attempt to explore, enlighten, and entertain.

To begin proceedings Robert Ormerod presents his exhibition Political Youth, a series of photographs depicting the political youth of our generation, the future of politics summed up in posed photographs. Reading the thoughts and ideas of those depicted it is easy to wonder how they will adapt as they develop their future political careers.

Rob Drummond’s Wallace gives some insight into this as he depicts the hypocrisy of politics through his work-in-progress which is the highlight of the festival. The façades of a political TV panel slip and secrets are revealed while Drummond himself plays the misguidedly patriotic audience member Wallace. The second part mirrors the first as politics play out in 1291 showing how little has changed in terms of conspiracy and greed for power before we come back to the present with Wallace trying to redeem himself. It is an inventive piece filled with humour and with some fine tuning should become a fine piece of theatre.

Chaired by David Archibald, The Symposium: Imaging Scotland – Pasts, Presents, Futures provides an actual panel comprising of passionate artist Julia Taudevin, knowledgeable Professor Johnny Rodger, and controversial journalist Alex Massie discussing the topic ‘what should artists and writers do with Scottish history.' Though it drifts from the topic slightly it is a very interesting conversation, which does not descend into mud-slinging of any kind despite evident contempt for one another's points at times.

Preceding the panel, an engaging discussion comes from Alan McCombes who looks at the history of Scotland, which is the topic of the book he and Roz Paterson have produced, Restless Land. Marcus Montgomery Roche: Vote for Me and Trigger: How to Choose? by Davey Anderson and Gary McNair both serve to explore voting and the decisions we face raising questions on how do we know what is right? Can we ever really know what is right? With the interactive performance of Vote for Me the audience has a chance to really think about their decision and what it may mean, maybe allowing a taster for the day of voting itself.

On the eve of the result comes The Arches Political Party. A chance to blow off steam and consider both sides as the result becomes imminent. Hosted by comedian David Bratchpiece, many artists and performers join him to play a part in the occasion with music from Glaswegian band Errors – collaborating with Jamie Wardrop, Carla Easton of TeenCanteen, and jazz vocalist Jude Williams performing ‘songs of yays and nay’ while Andy Wake from The Phantom Band has a spell as DJ.

As well as music, the BB Motorcycle Club combine biking, ballet, and boxing with their Revvvverendum, The Curio Cabaret Takeover supply a show hosted by Sita Pieraccini filled with song and sparkle, and spoken word plays its part with Kirstin Innes and a host of special guests. With cocktails inspired by Tunnocks Teacakes and Irn Bru bringing merriment to the night it is a Scottish extravaganza that doesn’t disappoint.

As the result resonates around the world the aptly named What Now Brunch gives a chance to digest it along with coffee and bacon rolls with the cast of Wallace playing host. A quiet affair, begging the question, would more have attended had the result been different?

With the Referendum Festival over and the Independence matter seemingly settled the question is will Scotland ever be the same again? Will performance continue to be influenced by this historic topic or is it now just business as usual? The passion the referendum has caused is certainly intense and could be used to great effect, channeled to fuel further debate and intensify performance. Or it could fizzle out under a damp sky leaving it just another piece of Scottish history. So, what now?