International spotlight falls on Scottish art

Scotland will take centre stage at a major international arts festival in Japan this summer.

Scottish artists and companies have been invited to perform at the Ricca Ricca Festival, an annual international festival of performing arts for children, young people held in Okinawa.

This year the festival will focus on Scotland which is the result of a joint funding initiative between Ricca Ricca, Creative Scotland, the Scottish Government and British Council Scotland.

The four Scottish productions selected are:

• Whiteout by Barrowland Ballet – Whiteout is a heartfelt dance theatre piece, for children and young adults, which give resonance to the complexities of bi-racial relationships.

• Cinderella by Shona Reppe – The classic fairy tale re-imagined by Shona Reppe Puppets, a highly visual award-winning production.

• Night Light by Andy Manley – theatrical poem, set within an installation, about darkness and children’s relationship with light.

• White by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company – a highlight visual show for young children.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop met with Hisashi Shimoyama, Artistic Director, Ricca Ricca Festival during her visit to Japan in June 2015. A partnership was subsequently formalised.

In Tokyo, where she is meeting representatives from Ricca Ricca, Ms Hyslop said:

“Scottish theatre boasts many exceptional children’s companies. This meeting provides an opportunity to promote that excellence and build on the collaboration with the Ricca Ricca Festival.

“The festival has benefited from links with Imaginate, organisers of Edinburgh’s International Children’s Festival. Ricca Ricca’s director Mr Shimoyama and his deputy Nao Miyauchi have visited Edinburgh and taken a strong interest in Scottish work for young audiences.

“Scotland’s international standing will be enhanced by our continued partnership with Ricca Ricca and other similar festivals worldwide.”

Background

Ricca Ricca takes place in Naha City, Okinawa, during the last week of July.