'Cargo' premieres at the Edinburgh Mela
6 August sees the launch of the Edinburgh Mela Festival weekend, which promises a potent mix of exotic colour and community spirit. There will be a variety of local stalls, crafts and performers as well as visiting acts from all over the world, all contained within a single area. Opening the celebrations with a special evening performance will be the premiere of CARGO, one of two large-scale productions commissioned by the Mela organisers this year (the other being Naturally Inspired, a joint venture with the Jazz & Blues and Storytelling festivals). The show contains all the ingredients capable of making one of the most memorable and distinctive spectacles of the festival season.
CARGO is a stimulating and involving presentation, as well as a thoughtful examination of the human experience of migration. The story follows two central characters and their search for a new home, also featuring in detail the various groups of people found ingrained within the migration process. It is intended to be a family event, and seeks to be accessible to as wide a range of ages and backgrounds as possible. Expect extensive use of water (ponchos are provided).
The show was created by Iron Oxide, an Edinburgh-based company focused on making exciting and ambitious outdoor theatre. Formed in 2006, the company has since built up an impressive project history, beginning with an aerial version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in 2007. With such an array of experience and dedication behind it, the immersive style and fundamental subject means this breathtaking event will prove a fitting way to begin the Mela festival.
*After the official premiere, CARGO will run until 22 August at the Outdoor Space on Leith Links West, with tickets for performances on the 7th and 8th included in the Mela entrance fee.
