University Chancellor Jackie Kay launches new series of online gigs produced by National Theatre of Scotland

Makar to Makar is produced by National Theatre of Scotland in association with HOME Manchester and Edinburgh International Book Festival and the School of Arts and Media.

The season of readings is called Makar To Makar. ‘Makar’ a Scots word for ‘poet or bard’. With the lockdown closing literary festivals around the world, Jackie was inspired to curate these events to entertain and accompany people in the era of social distancing. The writers and musicians are being paid, Makar to Makar supporting artists during a difficult period for performers.

The events will stream via the National Theatre of Scotland’s YouTube channel and its Facebook page every Thursday at 7pm for 16 weeks, each show lasting approximately 40 minutes. Audiences can tune in directly via the NTS YouTube channel, the NTS’s Facebook page or by clicking the home page link of Makar2Makar’s website. The events are free to enjoy.

Each event will be dynamic, varied and warm, with Kay hosting the show and chatting with the guests. Each show will usually feature one or two “makars” paired with a singer. Every week Jackie will introduce and chat with her guest. She will be the first week’s performer, followed in week two by poet Don Paterson.

Jackie Kay says, ‘In these harrowing times it has been heartening to see just how much people need poetry, music, art, theatre. The impulse to be creative runs deep in us. It has been our saving grace throughout this crisis. Makar to Makar has been conceived to accompany people in their own homes – to offer solace and hope. A great mix of poetry and music – food for the soul.’

Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director of National Theatre of Scotland says, ‘The National Theatre of Scotland is proud to support Jackie Kay’s special lyrical series of events, offering poetry, solace and connection to audiences at home during these difficult times.’