Experience of International Brigader sells out local venue

The revival of Willy and John Maley's play From the Calton to Catalonia has sold out its launch performance in the Calton Heritage Centre this Friday. The play, which deals with the experiences of their father as a volunteer in the Spanish Civil War, is being produced as a rehearsed reading as part of the MayDay celebrations organised by Glasgow Friends of MayDay. After the launch it will go on a small tour.

The play was originally written in 1990 and first played at Glasgow's MayFest that year. It was notable for showcasing  a very early appearance of Gary Lewis, later known for Billy Elliot, Gangs of New York and currently starring in Outlander. Lewis has also been involved in the development of this performance.

The rehearsed reading is directed by Martin McCardie, and features Bruce Morton, Maureen Carr, Davie Mackay, Erin McCardie, Matthew Gallacher and Claire Gray.

Martin explained:  “This play was a product of community theatre that was vibrant in Glasgow in 1990 and through the Mayfest years. The subject matter is one that is rarely taught in schools but is part of Scottish history that should never be forgotten. Some younger members of the cast knew nothing about the Scottish involvement in the Spanish Civil War. They do now!”

The launch takes place in the new Calton Heritage Centre, this Friday (1 May). An entirely appropriate venue, both from the title of the play, and from the publishers, Calton Books, an independent radical bookshop in Glasgow's London Road.  Local residents have responded making this first performance a sell-out.

Tickets are still available for the rest of the small tour - Irvine on the 2 May, Glasgow's Oran Mor on the 3, Bo'ness on the 8, and Greenock on the 10. Details of booking from http://www.fairpley.com.