What's On Scotland 22-29 Aug: Smalltown Boy Rave & Exhibition & more
There's an 80s revival in Glasgow this week with the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the Bronski Beat song Smalltown Boy. Elsewhere, the Fringe wraps up and there's a new exhibition at the DCA
Chronicling the journey of a young man forced to leave his hometown against the backdrop of 1980s Thatcherism, Bronski Beat’s Smalltown Boy has been an iconic queer anthem since its release in 1984. And this month it's getting a whole new lease of life, with an exhibition running from 23 August to 20 September.
Spanning photography, painting and sculpture, the exhibition explores a range of artists’ personal and emotional responses to the song’s exploration of identity and hostile environment, examining how it can engender experiences of freedom and acceptance. There's a range of artists featured, including Csian Canave, Barney Ashton Bullock, James Horan, Steve Rapport, and Charles Jeffrey. The exhibition kicks off with an opening party this Friday, with performances by Jonbers Blonde (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Boys Shorts, Bonzai Bonner, Josh Caffe and Bosco – find info on how to RSVP here.
Bat For Lashes
The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh. 23 Aug, 8:30pm
Art pop sensation Bat For Lashes is known for her cinematic concept albums that weave narratives from ethereal vocals and breathless lyrics, with her latest album The Dream of Delphi drawing on mythic themes to examine ideas of motherhood and the feminine divine. Image: Edinburgh International Festival.
Ten Thousand Hours
Assembly Hall, Edinburgh, Until 24 Aug, 11:40am
It’s a truth commonly acknowledged that the best circus at the Fringe comes from Gravity and Other Myths, an Australian circus troupe who defy many of the natural laws of the universe. Their new show Ten Thousand Hours speaks to the supposed time it takes to master a new skill. Image: Simon McClure.
Claudia Martínez Garay: Every Seed Is Awakened
DCA: Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee, 23 Aug-17 Nov
This first solo Scottish exhibition by Peruvian artist brings together pre-existing work in textiles, print and sculpture, as well as two specially commissioned pieces in print and soundscape, to examine the socio-political history of Peru and ways of depicting and processing civil unrest. Image: Courtesy of artist/Grimm Gallery.
The Postal Service + Death Cab For Cutie
The OVO Hydro, Glasgow. 23 Aug, 6:30pm
Celebrating two decades of Transatlanticism and Give Up, The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie are joining forces as Benjamin Gibbard, co-founder of both bands, plays double duty in playing both seminal noughties indie albums in full. Image: Jimmy Fontaine.
ADVERTISEMENT | Crying Shame
Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh. Until 25 Aug, 9:30pm
Last chance to catch Crying Shame, this year's winner of the Pleasance's Charlie Hartill Fund. Step inside Club Fragilé at 9.30pm each night, for a lip-sync drag cabaret show-cum-wellness journey. Get exclusive 2-for-1 tickets with promo code SKINNY. Must end 25th August!
↪ Assembly Hall
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh. 22-24 Aug, 7:30pm
You wouldn’t think LARPing and cutting edge contemporary dance would be the most natural of bedfellows but Assembly Hall, the new choreography piece by Crystal Pite and Jonathon Young blending Arthurian cosplay and dance would prove you wrong. Image: Michael Slobodian.
→ ☻ ᴏᴠᴇʀɢʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ☻ Fringe 2K24 Closing Party ☻
The Mash House, Edinburgh. 23 Aug, 11am
Close out the Fringe with an absolutely mental lineup at The Mash House, going on until 5am. Find the likes of Sweet Philly, Lara Sinclair, DV60, Wrisk and yung kidd to name but a very very few playing a mix of techno, jungle and dub.
→ Brigitte Baptiste: A Powerhouse in Ecology
Edinburgh Futures Institute, Edinburgh, 23 Aug, 4:45pm
We’re especially hyped for Colombian environmentalist and academic Brigitte Baptiste’s Book Festival event, presented in partnership with the Edinburgh Art Festival and sponsored by The Skinny (hi!), examining the inherent queerness of the natural world.
