Citadel Arts Group was founded 30 years ago by the late Scottish novelist Millie Gray and Liz Hare with the idea of giving voice to older writers. Still meeting at the Leith Dockers Club for a weekly Playwrights Workshop, writers, aged between 60 to 90-plus, are given the chance to see their work developed and professionally performed in a variety of venues. Their upcoming show, titled EH7, isbased on the rich heritage of the Craigentinny/Restalrig/Abbeyhill area and will be performed in the community that inspired it.
This latest production, thatfeatures Citadel regulars Ashley Barlow, Jim Bryce, Gregor Davidson, Leo McNeill, Mairi Jayne Weir, Deborah Whyte and local boy, Magnus Byrne, grew out of a People’s Postcode Lottery funded project that encouraged the Citadel Arts to explore the area.
Magnus, who attended Abbeyhill Primary School where Citadel Arts Group are artists-in-residence, says “As an actor, and current student at Edinburgh College’s Performing Arts Studio Scotland, working on the EH7 play has enabled me to work alongside seasoned professionals in the Scottish theatre industry. I’ve lived in the EH7 postcode my entire life but am still learning many interesting elements of my own local history.”
Artistic Director Liz Hare, who is also Creative Producer, says “We met some great people and discovered some surprising stories connected to significant local structures: the Craigentinny Marbles, Lochend Castle, Craigentinny House, Marionville House and most importantly, St Triduana’s Well.”
These stories are woven together in a play scripted by six members of the Citadel Arts Group Playwrights Workshop: San Cassimally, William Haddow, John Lamb, Rhona McAdam, Alan Mountford and Hilary Spiers.
The play is directed by another EH7 resident, Mark Kydd with sound by Roddy Simpson, costumes by Susan Chaney, stage management by Maggie Brown and props by Stewart Emm.
The group tried out the emerging script in February before an enthusiastic local audience of members of the lunch club at the Ripple, the Restalrig Lochend Community Hub. Ripple director Todd Bioletti says “It has been really great to be partnered with Citadel Arts Group to take part in the EH7 play project. It has been a great way to bring to life the stories and experiences of the local area.”
The performance at the Ripple, 198 Restalrig Road South EH7 6DZ is on Friday 13th June at 1.30. Entry is FREE but places are limited. Further performances at Craigentinny Community Centre, 9 Loaning Road EH7 6JE on 14th June at 1pm and 16th June at 7pm. Book or buy tickets £10/£8 from jamesellison@blueyonder.co.uk/07954 296568
As Saint Triduana is one of the local legends featured in the play, there is also a guided tour of St Triduana’s well beside St Margaret’s, Restalrig old parish church, on Saturday14th June at 10.30am. To book a free place, contact lizhare@blueyonder.co.uk
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 