A local Kirkcudbright woman who co-founded a South African and Scottish charity is touring a professional Dance and Theatre group made up of young South Africans to Dumfries and Galloway.
Emma Picken from Kirkcudbright, co-founded BE United in 2013 – a cultural arts organisation and charity that is based in South Africa and Scotland
The charity provides a platform for emerging artists to develop, showcase and expand their talents. The company is creating international links for young people to travel the world and experience deeper understandings of culture in communities. BE United works with people of all ages, and allows emerging and professional artists to connect with industry professionals in the creative industry, across the world.
The Champions is professional dance and theatre company that have been producing and presenting work in South Africa in their local communities for the last 5 years. Champions Tale is the first international touring show that they have produced, with their first stop in Dumfries and Galloway.
Emma Picken, Co-founder of BE United said,
‘’ South Africa is a wonderful place, it’s bursting at the seams with talent, the people of South Africa have captured my heart, I am so excited and proud to be bringing the Champions to the Scotland and to my local area.It is a huge moment for me professionally and for the Champions – this is their first ever international tour. This October will be very exciting and a month of many firsts. We have produced an exceptional show, which will entertain and touch our audiences.”
The production will tour in Dumfries and Galloway for the first time, with its premier at the Wigtown Book Festival on 1st October, it then travels to Castle Douglas for a special performance at The Fullerton Theatre on 13th of October. Dumfries audiences can attend their final performance in Dumfires & Galloway at The Usual Place on 14th October at 7:30pm.
The show challenges stereotypes and misconceptions centred around young South Africans through dance and physical theatre, and follows the story of one young man’s life and his community who share a love of dance. After each performance, audiences are invited into a dialogue with the cast to gain deeper insight & understanding into each other’s lives.
BE Untied use creative arts as way of connecting people from different cultures, races and nations across the world by producing and touring their work to various communities, theatres and cultural arts festival.
You can purchase tickets to Champions Tale in Dumfries by visiting the Mid-Steeple box office in Dumfries town centre. For tickets to Champions Tale in Castle Douglas, you can visit the Fullerton Theatre or call on 01556 504506
