Part of Holyrood’s Festival of Politics, the National Theatre of Scotland will present a ‘showcase’ production of In Time o’ Strife, which has been adapted, designed and directed by Graham McLaren, in the chamber of the Parliament.

Written by Cardenden poet and playwright, Joe Corrie, in the 1920s, In Time o’ Strife stirringly explores the brutal lives of a family staring hunger and defeat in the face.

The performance will be followed by a discussion session with Graham McLaren and Presiding Officer, Tricia Marwick, on the theme of ‘community and identity’.

Central Fifer, Tricia Marwick MSP, said, “When Joe Corrie was alive he was shunned by the arts establishment despite his talent.

“TS Eliot, a rare champion of Corrie, rated him Scotland’s greatest poet since Burns. But even in death in 1968, his contribution to Scottish literature remained largely unrecognised.

“As a long-time admirer of Joe Corrie, I first spoke in the Scottish Parliament about my appreciation of his work as far back as 2001. I am delighted that he will now be uniquely recognised in the heart of our nation’s Parliament, when the National Theatre of Scotland performs In Time o’ Strife.” National Theatre of Scotland’s Associate Director, Graham McLaren, said, “Joe Corrie wrote In Time o’ Strife in 1926 not for fame or fortune, but to raise money for the foodbanks that were supporting the starving families of miners in his local community.

“The National Theatre of Scotland is determined to provide a platform for individuals, artistes and communities whose voices are not heard. With this tour of In Time o’ Strife, we look forward to bringing the voice of Joe Corrie, and this story from Fife, to new audiences in the Scottish Parliament, across Scotland and the UK.” In Time o’ Strife, goes on at the Parliament on Sunday 17th August, 4 - 5.30pm, £10.00 /£8.00.

The 45 minute ‘showcase’ production of In Time o’ Strife is a powerful re-imagining of Joe Corrie’s classic about a Fife mining community during the General Strike of 1926.

Charged with raw emotion, the play is driven by explosive, intensely physical choreography and an original live soundtrack performed by leading Scottish musicians.

To raise funds for the soup kitchens feeding the miners and their starving families, Corrie wrote In Time o’ Strife whilst on strike himself.

The Festival of Politics takes place at the Scottish Parliament from Friday to Sunday. Tickets for In Time o’ Strife and the full Festival of Politics programme of events can be purchased/viewed online at www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk.

Having performed Corrie’s play to wonderful audiences in Fife’s mining heartland one year ago, the National Theatre of Scotland is to bring In Time o’ Strife back to Fife, to the Lochgelly Centre from the 27th to 30th August.