Podcast: A short trip to the Scottish Highlands

Writer, Director and Producer discuss upcoming show Cianalas

We’re joined for this week’s edition by writer Niamh O’Donnell, director Anna Millington and RamPage Theatre AD and producer Rachel McKay, who are bringing new show Cianalas to King’s Head Theatre at the end of July as part of Camden Fringe.

Cianalas tells the story of a community’s resistance to mass evictions during the Highland Clearances – one of the darkest moments of Scotland’s history.

We chat about the meaning behind the title, how Anna and Rachel became involved with the show, and why fringe theatre is something we should all be out supporting.

Cianalas plays 30 & 31 July at King’s Head Theatre – further information can be found ⁠here⁠.

Cianalas

King’s Head Theatre/ Camden Fringe

30 & 31 July

“Somethin’ is shiftin’. Oor lives are aboot tae change here.”

Cianalas / (key-an-a-lus) / noun – A deep seated sense of belonging to the place where your roots lie. There is no sadness or melancholy in cianalas, only the realisation of what is truly important in life.

Set over the span of two years in the 19th century Scottish Highlands, Cianalas tells the story of a community’s resistance to mass evictions during the Highland Clearances – one of the darkest moments of Scotland’s history. 

With its traditional live music and use of the Gaelic language, Cianalas explores the themes of belonging, legacy, power, the evolving role of women, and the unsettlement that comes from uprooting communities from their land.

Tickets available here.