Theatre production brings Burns to life

The National Trust for Scotland and theatremaker James Clements are collaborating on the Burns Project, a new theatrical production inspired by the life and works of Robert Burns.

Article Source: The National Trust for Scotland
Last Updated: 28 March 2025 13:47

Using the Robert Burns collection online, the Trust’s recently digitised collection of manuscripts and artifacts, Clements will transform the poet’s letters, poems, and personal items into a one-person performance depicting Burns’ life. With primary source material at his fingertips, Clements will explore the Bard’s real life, his brilliance, and his contradictions, to showcase his role as a cultural icon while humanising his struggles and triumphs.

The production, directed by Olivier award winner Cora Bissett, will premiere during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2025 at one of the Trust’s central Edinburgh properties and will later be performed at other Trust properties during the autumn. The Burns Project will then make its international debut in 2026 during a US tour supported by National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, strengthening transatlantic ties and fostering a deeper appreciation for Scottish culture.

Michael Terwey, Director of Public Engagement and Research at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “The Burns Project is an exciting pilot initiative for the Trust’s emerging arts programme, which aims to activate historical properties through creative collaborations. We have so many resources across our places that support the exploration of Scottish history, art, and culture so there are many more opportunities to create works of art based on our collection.

“Robert Burns is a great place to start with this programme. He is such a well-known character but Burns the man is still a mystery to many. We cannot wait to work with James and see what intricacies of the poet he pulls out of the archive and brings to life.”

As a maker of source-based documentary theatre, Clements has created and performed projects all over the world about everything from the mental health of a modern Princess to the culpability of a fascist filmmaker. With the recent launch of the Trust’s Robert Burns collection online, Clements is undertaking a two-year collaboration to activate the archives, and welcome new stakeholders into Trust properties and collections.

James Clements said: “This initiative will breathe new life into Burns’ work, connecting it with contemporary themes of identity, equality, and cultural heritage. I believe it will be more than a play - it will create an experience that reimagines Burns’ legacy for modern audiences. We aim to invite diverse audiences to experience Scotland’s heritage in an interactive, meaningful way.”

The Burns Project will run during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 2-9 August 2025 and tickets will be available on www.edfringe.com

The duration and scope of the project is dependent on funding. To discuss the opportunity to support the project, please contact fundraising@nts.org.uk.

Initiatives like the Burns Project support the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to care for, protect, and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022. For more information on the National Trust for Scotland, visit www.nts.org.uk

Image: James Clements
Image credit: Kelly Levacher

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