Traverse Theatre announces Declan, the first event of their Digital Festival 2020

The Traverse Theatre today announces Declan, a brand new take on their 2019 Traverse Festival hit Mouthpiece about class, culture and appropriation.

Article Source: Traverse Theatre
Last Updated: 3 August 2020 15:10

TRAVERSE THEATRE ANNOUNCES DECLAN, A BRAND NEW TAKE ON THEIR 2019 FESTIVAL HIT MOUTHPIECE AND THE FIRST EVENT OF THE TRAVERSE DIGITAL FESTIVAL 2020

Declan is an immersive film experience, using cinematography, animation and audio to show audiences Edinburgh as he sees it.

Confronts the city’s exclusion of sections of its population from its world-famous cultural offerings and demands change.

Directed by Lorn Macdonald, who played Declan in the original Mouthpiece production.

Also presented as part of Edinburgh International Festival 2020.

The Traverse Theatre today announces Declan, a brand new take on their 2019 Traverse Festival hit Mouthpiece about class, culture and appropriation.

Declan is the first event of the Traverse Digital Festival 2020 to be announced, and is also included as part of Edinburgh International Festival’s 2020 programme, announced earlier today.

ABOUT DECLAN

Using excerpts of Kieran Hurley’s original text for Mouthpiece, Declan blends footage filmed in real Edinburgh locations with original animations and audio to place the audience firmly in Declan’s shoes, and show Edinburgh as he sees it.

Because 17-year-old Declan’s Edinburgh isn’t the one the world knows and celebrates. Rather than theatres, galleries and concert halls, his days are spent on the outskirts of the city protecting his little sister, avoiding his mum’s boyfriend and making sense of his world through his drawings – that is, until he meets Libby, a playwright who takes his story and puts it on stage for all to see.

Frank, unflinching and filled with unexpected humour, Declan is an exhilarating and immersive film. It wrenches the spotlight away from those doing the talking, to those being talked about, and demands attention - on their own terms.

Declan will be available for audiences to experience through the Traverse Theatre and Edinburgh International Festival websites for a limited period from Monday 24 August.

WHO’S INVOLVED

Declan reunites several members of previous Mouthpiece creative teams alongside new collaborators to create an original piece inspired by the stage play. It has been co-commissioned by Edinburgh International Festival.

It is directed by and features a performance from Lorn Macdonald, who played the role in the original 2018 production and marks his Traverse directorial debut. It uses excerpts from Mouthpiece by Kieran Hurley and includes additional performance elements from Angus Taylor, winner of The Stage Award for his performance as Declan in the 2019 Traverse Festival stage production of Mouthpiece.

Sound design and composition are by Kim Moore, who also worked on the original stage production, with animations by Nisan Yetkin in her Traverse Theatre debut.

Traverse Executive Producer Linda Crooks says:

“2020 is a challenging year for many – none more so than the sections of our community already dealing with disadvantage and deprivation, who must not be left behind as we emerge into whatever the future may hold post-Covid. We were pleased by the conversations that ‘Mouthpiece’ generated during the 2019 Festival around cultural appropriation and cultural exclusion, which need to be acted upon more than ever before. We are therefore delighted that Declan’s story is being given a new lease of life, embedded firmly in Edinburgh’s streets, through the vision of Lorn Macdonald and a team of talented collaborators. Declan has much more to say – and it is imperative that we listen and ensure we create culture which is truly representative, accessible and of interest to all.”

Director Lorn Macdonald says:

“’Mouthpiece’, and playing the part of Declan, was hugely important to me, so revisiting the character in this new way has been both surreal and exciting. With the Traverse’s support I’ve been able to work with new collaborators, and having the opportunity to work with Angus Taylor and explore Edinburgh through the eyes of Declan has been a unique and exciting experience. I’m grateful to the Traverse for the chance to investigate Kieran’s story through a brand new lens, and hope audiences will enjoy the twists and turns as much as I enjoyed making it.”

VIEWING INFORMATION

Declan will be available to view on demand from Mon 24 August for a limited period through the Traverse Theatre and Edinburgh International Festival websites.

You can watch the trailer here.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrMcBCGQFS8&feature=youtu.be

16+

Note: Contains frequent strong language and descriptions of violence.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Unveils Haunting Halloween Event with a Dramatic Twist

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is partnering with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and North Edinburgh Nightmares for a spine-chilling evening of storytelling, whisky, and elevated seasonal dining.

Cold Town House in Edinburgh crowned Best Beer Destination in Scotland

Edinburgh’s iconic castle-view bar has been crowned Scotland’s ‘Best Beer Destination’ for the first time at this year’s Scottish Beer Awards.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Community group for families effected by suicide say art can be empowering

With Friday 10 October marking World Mental Health Day, community group, Lothians Speak Their Name, have shared the ‘powerful’ effect that art has had since the passing of their loved ones.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Amber restaurant joins forces with The Real Mary Kings Close for Halloween programme

This October, The Real Mary King’s Close, one of the UK’s top-rated experiences on TripAdvisor, partners with Amber Restaurant for a Halloween experience on the Royal Mile.

Scottish single mother turned her passion for protecting the planet into a royal range for Balmoral

Ten years ago Laura Thomas returned to the UK with two children and just £200. Now with a booming business to her name, this East Lothian entrepreneur is designing ranges for Balmoral Estate.

Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Finnish Long Drink Breaks Fringe Records for Summerhall Arts

Lonkero, Finland’s iconic long drink, has made history at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe by serving a record-breaking number of pints at Summerhall’s courtyard - while raising vital funds.

Last call for supporters to share their Murrayfield Memories as centenary celebrations beckon

HUNDREDS of fans from Scotland and across the globe have been sharing their most treasured memories of Scottish Gas Murrayfield as the stadium prepares to mark its centenary year.

HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN

The Edinburgh Playhouse and Waverley Care are pleased to announce a new collaboration, HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN, an arts initiative to share stories of those living with HIV.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Jali Film Weekender announces Full Programe

Jali Collective is proud to reveal the full programme for the first ever Jali Film Weekender, taking place at Filmhouse, Edinburgh from 30 October – 2 November 2025.

Lead Casting announced for Mean Girls

Lorne Michaels, Crossroads Live and Sonia Friedman Productions are delighted to announce initial casting of the award-winning Mean Girls The Musical.

Cafe Calton Unveils Seasonal Evening Menu and Pre Theatre Dining Experience

Perched atop the iconic Calton Hill, Café Calton has unveiled its new Autumn/Winter Evening Menu, alongside a specially curated Pre-Theatre Dining Experience.

October at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Cocktail Week to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in October!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Bonnie & Wild and Fierce Beer team up for craft bar residency

Craft brewery Fierce Beer shows appetite for Bonnie & Wild with launch of new bar residency and tailored food and drink pairings.

Local Charities and Communities at the Heart of Edinburghs Christmas 2025

Spreading Christmas cheer, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers over 8,500 free tickets to local community groups and charities.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Two Edinburgh Bakeries launch unique Macaron and Cake Tower

Mademoiselle Macaron and Mimi’s Bakehouse have announced a new collaboration which combines handcrafted French macarons with signature sponge tiers in a bespoke macaron and cake tower.

Full Line up Announced for Soundhouse Winter Festival

The 2025 Soundhouse Winter Festival returns from Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.