National Ensemble 2020 – Once You See the Smoke

A Digital reimagining FOR a radical new online performance.

Date of Activity: January – July 2020
Location: Across Scotland, Online
Age Range: 18-25

The Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble is a national touring model for young artists and theatremakers interested in making interdisciplinary artform, political theatre. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 National Ensemble cancelled their national tour, instead staying safely at home to create a new site-specific work for the virtual realm through Zoom.

This new piece of live digital-theatre responded to issues surrounding global climate change and climate justice, and was shared with audiences online on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of July.

“We had begun to spin ideas for a new devised show about climate justice when lockdown happened and we found ourselves separated from each other and unsure how to collaborate whilst the company was spread up and down the country. I AM SO PROUD OF THE NATIONAL ENSEMBLE COMPANY 2020.”

Melanie Jordan, Director

“I was astounded at the integrity of the Ensemble and Creative Team as they turned their creativity to exploiting every facet of the Zoom platform as a site-specific space. Knowing the 20-strong Ensemble were all performing live in separate locations across Scotland to audiences across the world made it all the more exhilarating to watch.”

Jacky Hardacre, Chief Executive

Supported by

The Portrack Charitable Trust