Glasgay, SMHAFF and drew taylor present
HOWL[ing]
By Drew Taylor and Julia Doogan

“I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked, dragging themselves through the streets at dawn looking for an angry fix” – Allen Ginsberg, HOWL, 1955

HOWL[ing] is an epic poem for post referendum Scotland
Using beat poet Allen Ginsberg’s seminal piece “HOWL” as a basis…

We present a concert of words and music,
We present a concert of Yes and No
We present a concert of a changed national financial, mental and social health
We present a celebration of where we find ourselves now, and how,
…We feel about that

Written and directed by performance poet/theatre director Drew Taylor, performed by leading Scottish acting talent and accompanied by acclaimed Glasgow musicians Julia and the Doogans: HOWL[ing] is a performance constructed by old, responding to the new, reflecting the current view.

HOWL[ing] is supported by Glasgay! and the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival. Following the success of 44 Stories [* * * * – The Scotsman] Drew Taylor’s exploration into performance poetry in contemporary theatre continues in HOWL[ing]: collaborating with rising musical stars Julia and the Doogans [recently featured on the Lip Service soundtrack] creating a new unapologetic epic poem for the stage.

PREVIOUS PRESS:

“a thrilling mix of burlesque, cabaret and agitprop that deserves to be seen again, and soon.” * * * * Joyce Macmillan, The Scotsman, on “44 Stories” July 2014

“the on-stage quartet excel in delivering everything from poetry to polemic by way of disco-swish” Mary Brennan, The Herald on “44 Stories” July 2014

“poetic masterpiece…utterly flamboyant, brutally honest and totally endearing” * * * * *
ThreeWeeks, Edinburgh 15/08/10 on Markus Makavellian’s International Order

“His voice is raw, clever and disturbing, and we will be hearing much more of it in years to come.”
Joyce Macmillan, The Scotsman, 26/10/09 on Markus Makavellian’s International Order

“A Glittering Colossus” * * * * Metro 22/08/10

Listings information:
Traverse Theatre Edinburgh, Thursday 16th October, 7.30pm, £8-£13 www.traverse.co.uk
Arches Theatre Glasgow, Tuesday 21st October, 7.30pm, £8/£10 www.thearches.co.uk
Performance last approximately 50 minutes

Editor’s Notes

DREW TAYLOR – writer/director:
Drew graduated from the RSAMD. A former performance poet Drew primarily works as a director. Drew has created performance for some of Scotland’s leading theatre and dance companies: Conflux, Untitled Projects, Glasgay!, CityMoves Aberdeen and Dance House. Centred in creating cross-art form dance and physical theatre, Drew’s recent credits include: “44 Stories” as part of the Commonwealth Games Culture Festival, “Number By Colours” [ANKUR / CCA], Associate Artist for “The Salon Project” [Untitled Projects / Traverse Theatre / Barbican / Citizens Theatre], “JAMP” at Watch This Space [National Theatre, London] and Theaterszene Europa [Studiobühne, Köln] and “8” by Dustin Lance Black [Glasgay!]. Drew is currently developing “South Cumburgh Green” with choreographer Jack Webb – a dance theatre love-letter to broken Britain.

Julia and the Doogans:
“All timid, lovely folk pop, Julia and the Doogans are as blissful and beautiful as a band can be. Ever evolving, and embracing new sounds and instruments, this collective is united by the voice of Julia Doogan – both hopeful and heartbreaking when the mood calls for it, and always welcome.”
Thomas Meek – The List

Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival:
Now in its eighth year, the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival is one of Scotland’s most diverse cultural events, covering everything from music, film and visual art to theatre, dance, and literature. The annual festival takes place in venues across Scotland throughout October, aiming to support the arts and challenge preconceived ideas about mental health.
http://www.mhfestival.com/