365: Preview

In the two years since its inception, the National Theatre of Scotland has conquered the Edinburgh Festival and almost everywhere else with its productions of The Bacchae and the multi-award winning Black Watch, two pieces of theatre that drew adulation from audiences and critics alike. The free roaming company have put on 62 different shows in theatres, woods, airports and even ferries across the globe - proof that wanderer status is no barrier to sustainability or acclaim.

This year the youthful company promises another powerful show in the form of acclaimed Scottish playwright David Harrower’s 365. Written especially for the International Festival, the play deals with social care system and the 'Practice Flats' used to provide children leaving state care with a chance to adjust to life outside the system.

Just as Gregory Burke's Black Watch was based on interviews with soldiers from the famous Scottish regiment, extensive social research informs Harrower's take on his young characters’ chances of successful social integration in 365. This promises to be important, high-quality contemporary theatre with a strong social message.

Judging by the NTS's impressive track record of Festival success, all that waits to be seen is whether this precocious company can keep showing audiences from around the world the rude health of Scottish theatre.