Caption Information – Scottish Ballet (Emergence & Ceci est mon corps)
Emergence © Angela Sterling
Edinburgh International Festival 2016
Scottish Ballet
Photo Credit: Angela Stirling
18–20 Aug 7.30pm
Festival Theatre
+44 (0)131 473 2000
Sponsored by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers

As you are no doubt aware, the Athens of the North goes more than a little bonkers for the month of August. 

While the world descends upon the city to embrace a dizzying array of culture and be baffled at four seasons of weather in 15 minutes, once again the Edinburgh International Festival offers a stunningly curated programme of the world’s best arts, music, theatre and dance. As it prepares to launch some tickets are hard to find, but persevere- there are treasures throughout the programme. 

Sunday’s Standard Life opening event is eagerly anticipated; Deep Time is created by the team behind last year’s incredible Harmonium Project, and will transform Edinburgh Castle. 

Inspired by the world-changing theories of James Hutton, a product of the University and the Scottish Enlightenment, a man who popularised the idea that the Earth is millions of years old. 

Integral to Deep Time, and indeed woven throughout this year’s EIF are the ever remarkable Mogwai, who also perform their original soundtrack to Mark Cousins’ remarkable new documentary Atomic.

More musical highlights include the stunning live show of ANOHNI’s Hopelessness (co-produced by Scottish producing behemoth Hudson Mohawke) , and the perennially epic intimacy of Sigur Ros, while local heroes The Young Fathers will turn  prodigal sons as they translate their joyous, angular soundscape in typically thrilling, visceral fashion. 

Monumental is a collaboration fusing dance by The Holy Body Tattoo and live music from Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and promises a unique, unforgettable experience, while The Scottish Ballet showcase a stunning contemporary double bill. 

A theatrical standout is John Tiffany’s lauded Broadway production of Tennessee Williams’ seminal The Glass Menagerie, with Anything That Gives Off Light, a new co-production from Brooklyn-based ensemble The TEAM and the National Theatre of Scotland explores the folk traditions of Scotland and America.

Now more than ever, the international, outward looking and inclusive nature of the best of art can serve as an inspiration; this year the EIF yet again have created something special and unique, as Edinburgh embraces the world.