Blood Orange Benefit Performance for Scottish Refugee Council
An Anti-bigotry play Written and produced in Dumfries marks United Nations World Humanitarian Day and celebrates a great charity
A benefit performance of Blood Orange, an Edinburgh Fringe Play exploring racism in contemporary Scotland, is being staged in aid of leading Scottish charity that supports asylum seekers and refugees.
Playwright Graham Main wants to raise awareness of the Scottish Refugee Council and highlight the need for countries like Scotland to offer sanctuary for those facing danger and adversity in other parts of the world.
The benefit performance will take place on Tuesday 19th August, which is also UN World Humanitarian Day.
Blood Orange was written after the Far Right SDL organised a march in Dumfries last year – an act which brought large numbers of the local community, including many from the arts, out onto the streets to oppose racism and bigotry.
Mr Main said: “The events taking place right now in Iraq, and elsewhere in the world, show how important it is for people in fear of their lives to know that there are places like Scotland where they can take refuge without fear.
“World Humanitarian Day is a chance to celebrate the spirit of all those who do humanitarian work around the world.
“I have huge admiration for the staff and volunteers of the Scottish Refugee Council for the way they dedicate themselves to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our country. Their work shows Scotland at its very best.
“We very much hope that this benefit performance will help raise awareness of the charity and the values which underpin World Humanitarian Day.”
Blood Orange is set in the sexualised and drug-fuelled world of Scotland’s contemporary clubland and follows the story of a Far Right attempt to incite a racist murder. It also addresses the vulnerabilities of young people in a society obsessed with image and where peer pressure can warp lives and attitudes.
The benefit performance takes place at Summerhall at 7.45pm on Tuesday.
Suzi Simpson, Arts and Cultural Development Officer for Scottish Refugee Council said: “We’re delighted that Electric Theatre Workshop are fundraising for the important work we do in helping refugees re-build their lives in Scotland.
“Our work is one part of addressing the wider issue of racism in Scotland as well as persecution and intolerance worldwide. It’s vital that issues such as these are highlighted through theatre and the arts.”
Blood Orange has been well-received by Edinburgh audiences, across southern Scotland and at this year’s Prague Fringe. Parts of the play have also been performed for MSPs at the Scottish Parliament.
● To book seats go to festival14.summerhall.co.uk/event/blood-orange
