Image credit: Ralph Tonge
Be the first to see a brand new piece of theatre, created in the Isle of Lewis, before it transfers to the Edinburgh festival as part of the prestigious Made in Scotland Showcase.
The fifth child of Gaelic speaking Kintyre crofters, William McTaggart became one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists through sheer determination and hard work. What is his legacy a century on, for his country and his family?
In Capturing the Light, Isle of Lewis singer-songwriter Elsa McTaggart tells the story of her great grandfather’s extraordinary life and talent, and how it shaped her own identity and creativity.
Produced by Hebridean arts company sruth-mara (creators of Precious Cargo, Move-Gluasad and Soil and Soul), in association with An Lanntair, this visually striking new theatre show is written and performed by Elsa McTaggart and directed by Laura Cameron-Lewis, with production design by Robbie Thomson. Laura and Robbie previously worked together on 2024’s Precious Cargo, which sold out its premiere at An Lanntair before an acclaimed, award-winning Edinburgh Fringe run.
Elsa McTaggart has been described as a ‘Scottish superwoman of music’. Born in 1977 – the fifth of 11 children – she grew up on a croft overlooking the Tay Valley, with no electricity or running water in the house, where musical instruments, books, animals and siblings were the main sources of entertainment. She has worked as a musician since the age of 22, and has toured internationally with husband and collaborator Gary Lister since 2011. After living in countries across the world, Elsa and Gary settled in Lewis at the beginning of Covid-19 lockdown, returning to Elsa’s – and her great grandfather’s – crofting roots.
Following its debut at An Lanntair, Capturing the Light will transfer to the Edinburgh Fringe where Elsa and Gary have been performing sold out shows for 15 years. The show will be part of this year’s Made in Scotland showcase, which promotes a small selection of new Scottish work to international audiences.
‘One of the constant stars of the Edinburgh Fringe,’ Arts Reviews Edinburgh on Elsa McTaggart
‘A hugely affecting piece that deserves to be seen by audiences beyond the Edinburgh Fringe.’ **** – Fest on Precious Cargo.