KELI

Martin Green's "Keli", presented by the National Theatre of Scotland and Lepus Productions, is a compelling new play that masterfully interweaves the raw power of live brass music with a poignant story of community and legacy.

Set 40 years after the miners' strikes, the play follows Keli, a sharp-witted teenager in a former mining town, for whom the brass band is her escape and passion. When Keli falls into a disused mine, she encounters a local legend, revealing the town's deep-rooted history.

With a live brass score composed by Green himself and featuring a full brass band, "Keli" highlights music as a source of identity and solace in a post-industrial landscape. The production, praised for Liberty Black's "sensational" performance as Keli, is a deeply moving exploration of Scottish identity, resilience, and the enduring power of art.

Written and composed by Martin Green and directed by Bryony Shanahan, this ambitious piece took 6 years to make it to stage. Developed at The National Theatre in London and produced by National Theatre of Scotland and Lepus Productions - we had the help of many talented people across its development. This include Emma Rice, David Greig, Tom Morris and Wils Wilson.

Photos by Mihaela Bodlovic