Standing outside the shuttered, disused Pilmuir Works, the former ‘Dunlop’ factory in the middle of Dunfermline, I was aware of the sense of anticipation that was building. Scotland’s ancient capital was about to see one of its historical sites being utilised one last time by some of the students of Woodmill High School.

As part of the ‘National Theatre of Scotland’s Learn Events’ ethos of bringing theatrical performances to the masses some of the youth of Dunfermline have devised, created and perform this site-specific event involving drama, dance, creative writing, design, installation, music and song.

Titled   “You Tell Us What Was, We Tell You What Is”

We are beckoned in to the building by a silent youth in a yellow sweatshirt, we follow him listening to the voices of unseen teenagers, through dust-sheet covered areas until we enter the vast central area of this disused factory. There are the traces of yellow markings on the floor along side puddles of rain water, to each side we see empty lockers strategically placed, an office set up. We approach a performance area where there are several yellow clad performers some as machines others discribing the past as those workers whose whole lives revolved round the factory in its heyday. These characters then change to the youth of 2009 who put forward both the good and bad points of today. Through the excellent use of music, movement, lockers and Dunlop tyres, the 25 performers proceed to put forward the views old and new. Seven musicians provide live music whilst the performers scatter to other areas within the vast building. We then move off in two groups to see part of the cast up on the first floor after watching this dance spectacular we were escorted down the back stairs to see five of the young females acting out a Dunfermline version of Beauty and the Beast. Our final experience was back at the initial performance area where we are treated to the pupils choice of songs described in sign language. The final scene is a spectacle difficult to describe.

The Transform Fife creative team of co directors Ben Harrison and Jemima Levick with National Theatre of Scotland Associate Molly Taylor have managed to produce a spectacular event which should make those taking part and anyone lucky enough to witness the event very proud. Despite performing without the use of radio-mikes in a cavernous space, which could easily dampen a shout, the messages come across. The lighting designers have their own unique headaches as one performance each day starts in daylight finishing in twilight and the second in full darkness, they do however seem to have coped with this added difficulty very well. The movement and dance scenes are spectacular. Despite being undercover I am sure the building was colder than outside but you would not know it watching the performers.

On a very limited run 10^th, 11^th and 12^th March at 5pm and 7.30pm it is definitely a show of interest to everyone living in and around Dunfermline.

 Photos by www.eamonnmcgoldrick.com

For further information on National Theatre Scotland productions see www.nationaltheatrescotland.com