Bissett to star in Traverse Fringe

CORA Bissett, the director and actress, is to return to the stage for the first time in eight years as part of the Traverse Theatre's programme for the Fringe festival.

The season contains five works, including What Girls are Made Of, a world premiere which tells the autobiographical story of Bissett's life and her time in the indie rock band Darlingheart.

It is a co-production between the Traverse and Raw Material, written and performed by Bissett with a live backing band.

The show covers tours with Radiohead and Blur as well as ending up £40,000 in debt.

Directed by Traverse director Orla O'Loughlin it is part of the Made in Scotland showcase.

Other shows in the season are Nigel Slater's Toast, the Undergound Railroad Game, Our NHS at 70,by Mark Thomas, and Meek by Penelope Skinner.

Ms O’Loughlin said: "The programme includes some of the most exciting artists working in the UK and internationally and it’s an honour to invite them to blaze a trail on our main stage this August."

www.traverse.co.uk

Shetland calls for films

SHETLAND Arts is calling for submissions for this year's Screenplay Film Festival.

The Home Made screening is among most popular events of the annual festival, featuring short films made by Shetlanders of all ages and abilities.

The festival runs from 25 August to 2 September.

Organisers are looking for films of no longer than four minutes' duration, including titles and end credits.

All kinds of films are allowed, but "they must be suitable for general viewing, as the Home Made event is shown to a family audience."

Film makers must be Shetlanders by birth or residency, and entries are also eligible from those who are engaged in higher education and living elsewhere.

www.shetlandarts.org/our-work/festivals/screenplay