EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- The Last Queen of Scotland

Tell us a bit about The Last Queen of Scotland.

The Last Queen of Scotland is inspired by writer Jaimini's experience of the Ugandan Asian expulsion, and her move to Dundee as an immigrant in the early 70's. It is about how she chose to explore her past in order to be in control of her future - a story of where she came from and where she now belongs. To quote Jaimini it is a 'love letter to the D... you know, fir giving me a hame.'

This is Jaimini's first play. Her background is in film making but not in theatre and the play has not been a traditional commission. Jaimini had an idea about what she wanted to write and Jemima Levick (Stellar Quines' Artistic Director) alongside George Aza-Selinger (former Literary Manager at the National Theatre of Scotland), have spent about four years working with Jaimini, to get to the point of a joint co-commission by Dundee Rep and the NTS, and the play being produced by Stellar Quines.

Having been on this journey with Jaimini we're all excited to be at a point where we can share this story with audiences.

Why is it important for people to see it?

It's an untold Scottish story and an important part of Scottish social history. It's also a story of forced migration and the very human impact that had. Given what we're living through at the moment this feels particularly pertinent.

At Stellar Quines we want to make work that inspires women and girls, and the play does that. It's about knowing who you are, and belonging and defeating the powers that be from controlling you.

Who would you recommend comes to see The Last Queen of Scotland?

The play is an exciting new voice, in it's in Dundonian dialect and it's a little know story. Patricia Panther who recently provided lead vocals for Basement Jaxx's latest album, Junto, will also be composing and performing the music.

So I would recommend it to people who are seeking an engaging theatrical experience that will not only entertain but provoke new thinking and hopefully good conversation afterwards. Those who are interested in hearing a new voice from Scotland and finding out about more about this period in history. Anyone who has felt conflicted about who they are and where they belong who will share in someone's journey to solve that.

What's next for you after the Fringe?

We're thrilled to be working on a co-production with The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh and Scottish Dance Theatre of a new stage adaptation of Marguerite Duras' The Lover which is an exotic tale of remembered passion fusing spoken word, music and evocative dance.http://www.stellarquines.com/productions/the-lover/ The play will be presented at The Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh 20 Jan 2018 - 3 February and tickets are on sale now.

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?

There are so many! We're part of the Made in Scotland showcase http://www.madeinscotlandshowcase.com/ this year and we're certainly going to attempt to see as much as we can from our fellow showcase members.

Timings and ticket information for The Last Queen of Scotland are available on the edfringe website.

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