Pibroch is a multimedia theatre production exploring the parallels between the current Climate Emergency and the Piper Alpha disaster that took place in the North Sea in 1988.
Pibroch uses poetry created by Aberdeenshire-based writer and artist John Bolland, who is a former oil worker, climate activist, member of North East Scotland Climate Action Network who has been actively involved in the oil and gas industry’s response to the Piper Alpha disaster in the North Sea and internationally.
John’s words are complemented by multi-instrumentalist and composer Fraser Fifield who provides live music accompaniment to the performance. Pibroch is Co-Directed by Mark Thomson, former Artistic Director at the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh, along with a strong team of Scottish theatre creatives.
This multi-media performance, that is a mix of live music and visual imagery represents the personal and social experiences of Piper Alpha survivors and their relationship to the challenges each of us face in a warming world with a pressing need for change.
John Bolland says “Pibroch started out as an idea for a demonstration against further fossil fuel development during the 2019 Offshore Oil & Gas Exhibition. The idea of ‘guerrilla piping,’ using Padraig Og McCrimmon’s pibroch, Lament for the Children (Cumha na Cloinne), arose as a distinctively Scottish form of protest. It will be the 35th anniversary of the Piper Alpha Disaster this July and although half a lifetime has passed we seem not to have understood the underlying lessons. Researching both the disaster and the Climate, I was struck by the statement of Red Adair, who was a responder to the emergency, that the only way to extinguish a fire of this nature is to deny it fuel. I hope those who come along to the performances will come away with a sense of disquiet and a modicum of hope. Disquieted by the fact that they are, in more than a metaphorical sense, on a burning platform. Hopeful because, collectively as well as individually, we can figure out what we are going to do about it – for ourselves, for our children and grandchildren, for most of life on earth. Live or die. Obey or resist.”
A post show Q&A will be held after each performance.
Pibroch is touring to 16 venues across Scotland from 02 April-06 July 2023 with venues as follows:
Lemon Tree, Aberdeen -part of Climate Week North East 2023
Lerwick (Mareel)
Peterhead (Peterhead Theatre)
Wick (Lyth Arts Centre)
Lochinver (Village Hall)
Stornoway (An Lanntair)
Benbecula (Balivanich Community Hall)
Skye (Braes Community Hall)
Irvine (Harbour Arts Centre)
Greenock (The Beacon)
Moffat (Town Hall)
Galloway (CatStrand)
Edinburgh (Scottish Storytelling Centre)
Broughty Ferry (Gardyne Theatre)
St Andrews (Byre Theatre) -part of EE2023 Energy Ethics
Final performance at the Barn, Banchory on 06 July.
on the 35th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster.
Running time: 50 mins
Age restriction: 12+
Copies of Pibroch, the book, are available through the View from the Long Grass website and from the publisher Red Squirrel Press.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 