Screenwriter Paul Laverty and Commoners Choir promote social justice through film, debate and political song at Scottish book festival
Screenwriter Paul Laverty returned to the small Scottish town on Saturday, where he was brought in order to make a special appearance at the annual Wigtown Book Festival.
Laverty, famed for his work for social justice, was joined by members of Commoners Choir including its founder, the former Chumbawamba singer, Boff Whalley.
The choir and Laverty were key parts of one of this year’s festival themes – Revolution. This explores everything from the Protestant Reformation 500 years ago, through more recent social and political upheavals, right up to the campaigns and causes of the present day.
There was a special showing of Laverty’s celebrated recent film I, Daniel Blake plus a concert by the Yorkshire-based Commoners Choir, which is famed for its sense of irreverant fun and political passion.
Recalling his boyhood in Wigtown Laverty said: “It’s lovely to be here, I have so many memories of the place.”
During his visit he told audiences that film can promote change, but it’s activism that makes the real difference.
He said: “I think that film is important because it can put you right into someone else’s shoes and life. This is what stories, books, plays and film have always done. Film does it in a particular way because of its combination of sound and image. It has a particular texture.
“Film can encourage change, but the reality is that it’s activism that matters because nothing will change just because people see a film, they have to do something about it afterwards.”
The concert by Commoners Choir included songs from their new album which was released this month and is billed as 21 songs of protest, anger, humour and hope.
Whalley said: “We sing songs about subjects that need singing about, and have a lot of fun doing that. That includes singing some songs poking fun at the Tory government.”
The a capela choir, which has its own manifesto, is made up of a broad spectrum of people from doctors and teachers to carers and carpenters, who all identify themselves as being on the left of politics.
Whalley says: “It’s meant to be very broad. We are aligned round ideas not parties or leaders. Nothing annoys me more than endless arguments about detail and ideology.”
Another choir, The Cairn Chorus, will be presenting a show with very different themes and sounds. They will perform the Cairn Valley Song Cycle which was commissioned from seven composers by the villagers of Moniaive to reflect the area’s rich landscape and sense of community.
Glasgow’s Auricle Ensemble will also be at the festival, performing Stravinsky’s suite The Soldier’s Tale. Written at the end of World War I it tells the story of a soldier returning to his viialge who makes a pact with the Devil.
Festival visitors will also be able to begin their days in a pleasant and tuneful way with The Bookshop Band who will be inviting special guests to join them for their Chat Show events. It’s a chance to hear delightful music, meet fascinating people and enjoy coffee and pastries.
- Auricle Ensemble: Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale. Sacred Heart Church. Saturday, 30 September, £7. Catchy and disturbing, it was one of the first important classical works to reflect the influence of jazz.
- The Cairn Chorus: Cairn Valley Song Cycle, County Buildings, Main Hall. Friday, 29 September, £7. A beautifully diverse song cycle to life accompanied by local and professional musicians, including Wendy Stewart, Gavin Marwick and Ali Burns. Directed by Kate Howard.
- The Bookshop Band: The Chat Show. PHC Room. Various dates, £5. Start the day with music and chat from The Bookshop Band. Which guests are on the sofa today? Free coffee and pastries.
- Booking information – To book tickets call 01988 403222, visit in person at Number 11 North Main Street in Wigtown or buy online at wigtownbookfestival.com
- Website – wigtownbookfestival.com
