549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War

Description

YOU CAN GO PROUDLY. YOU ARE HISTORY. YOU ARE LEGEND. 1936. In villages, towns and cities across Scotland, 549 lives are gradually intertwining. People of contrasting backgrounds, ideologies and religions. Spurred on by their burning passion for equality and freedom, they will form the Scottish ranks of the Spanish Civil War's legendary International Brigade. 2022. The country is in crisis. In a small pub in Prestonpans, East Lothian, four millennials are told a story. The true story of four local miners who, over 80 years ago, travelled from the streets of Prestonpans to the valleys of Spain. They gave up everything that was familiar: for a land that was not; for a people they had never met; and for a cause they believed was right. 549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War, a play with songs and storytelling, is a timely insight into one of Scotland's almost forgotten conflicts and was first performed 7 February 2018 at Prestonpans Town Hall.

Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse are two of the co-founders of Wonder Fools, a theatre company that creates contemporary new work based on a diverse range of current and historical real-life stories. Writing and producing credits include: McNeill of Tranent: Fastest Man in the World (2014-2015), The Coolidge Effect (2016-2020), and 549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War (2018-ongoing).

There is a special thrill in seeing the play performed, this week, in Prestonpans Town Hall, a building these men would have known well, in front of the kind of local audience, reliving part of their own history, that has been thin on the ground in Scottish theatre. -- Joyce McMillan * The Scotsman * 549 is a beautifully moving tale of friendship, bravery and sacrifice. It recounts a true story that deserves to be heard, not just because its an important and oft forgotten part of history, but because it's a fascinating and enjoyable tale to boot. * The Skinny * Black Watch reimagined for a small town function room. -- Nick Cooper * The Herald *