Edinburgh is a city that truly values art. The Scottish Tradition is one of poetry, song and storytelling. Edinburgh’s main train station is named after a novel series by Sir Walter Scott, the streets are packed with media and music and the various festivals hosted there are internationally famous.
Until recently, of course. The global pandemic changed many things. The music fell silent, the festivals cancelled. Macro, hosted at Murrayfield stadium, opened the Edinburgh International Festival and by implication, was the unofficial opening ceremony for the other festivals that surround it. This was Edinburgh reminding itself of what it was. Macro was a clear artistic statement. The Soul of Scotland is one of dance, song, music and light. And it has returned, undimmed and emboldened. To make art regardless is courage, and as such is always valued.
Many were invited to come and see Macro for free. Thousands came. Murrayfield was a perfect venue for this spectacle of poetry, music, song and incredible acrobatics. A light show comprised of feats of extraordinary circus athletics and haunting melody. The stage was superbly set for this beautiful if strange ritual of art. Haunting, weird and inspirational, Macro felt both modern and futuristic.
This performance was an international effort, in conjunction with the Adelaide Festival, First Nations dance outfit Djuki Mala, The National Youth Choir of Scotland, circus group Gravity & Other Myths. Leading figures from the Scots traditional music scene, including fiddlers and pipers all featured. As did a didgeridoo, which felt perfect as anyone who’s walked around Prince’s Street can attest.
They were some memorable and profoundly strange moments; at one point a performer trod on his fellow performers in a specific sequence. Each performer so treated elicited a sound, and this almost Melnibonean style musical instrument was used to play Mary Had A Little Lamb.
It was an eye-opening spectacle, at a time and a place when it was much needed. An unforgettable light in the darkness, a song of defiance and identity to the world. And a great way to begin what promises to be a phenomenal festival.
