While it seems that the creative world, tourists and backpackers all descend on Edinburgh every August for comedy and late nights, there is much more vital and compelling in the Festivals which are the lifeblood of the city.
At the very heart of all of this creativity is the Edinburgh International Festival. Its mission statement since its inception in post-war 1947 has remained the same- to make the city come alive with the best music, theatre, opera and dance from around the globe.
This means a curated, diverse range of genuinely world-class innovation and invention in the arts annually, and this year is no exception- the brief highlights below are a tiny part of a remarkable programme.
Rona Munro’s James Trilogy of plays focusing on the three Scottish Kings has garnered focus due to some of the audience being able to sit on the stage, but infinitely more due to its compelling creativity and vision.
Inala is a stunning blend of South African and western culture, with classical ballet, contemporary dance and music married together to stunning effect, and a stellar company including current and former dancers from The Royal Ballet and Rambert with music performed live by Grammy Award®-winning South African choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Elsewhere, Exhibit B willingly blurs the lines between performance and exhibition, as a live installation running throughout the day challenging preconceptions of racism, the Other and colonialism in a visceral, thrilling manner.
Of course, the finale fireworks on August 31st are the perfect conclusion to Edinburgh in August and the showcase of the EIF, as the city centre around the Castle is transformed in an unforgettable marriage of music and visuals which can be underestimated by only the most jaded Edinburgher.
Between now and then, there are remarkable experiences and exceptional performances across the Arts waiting to be discovered.
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