Na Mo Chuid Aodaich - Borve
31 August 2009
Since May 2009, Na Mo Chuid Aodaich (meaning In My Clothes) has been touring rural communities in Lewis and has wowed over 1200 enthusiastic audience members and raised almost £9000 for Crossroads Lewis. Following successful performances to packed out audiences in Lochs, Tolsta, Point and Shawbost the last Na Mo Chuid Aodaich will take place in Borve on 12th September at 7pm in the Clan Macquarrie Community Centre. The project is a true community effort, with people of all ages involved in organising, collecting and donating clothes, modelling and providing baking and refreshments. The show begins with a Gaelic drama, storytelling and song performance starring Maggie Smith, followed by a fashion show in chronological order modelled by members of the community and including local items including wedding dresses, formal wear, uniforms and even some very old pantaloons! Maggie says: “I am totally amazed that certain groups of women have been at every Na Mo Chuid Aodaich show so far! Though I observe them there, I am intrigued as to what draws them. Na Mo Chuid Aodaich seems to appeal to girls of all ages, from 10 to 90. It builds links between generations, with young girls wearing their mother's and granny's wedding dresses on the catwalk. I am convinced that Na mo Chuid Aodaich nights will be a cherished memory for those models in the future.” Gaelic is at the heart of the production, and as well as the drama, song and storytelling elements, all models are encouraged to use the language as they talk about their outfits. The stories associated with each of the clothes bring a real sense of local history to the show Na Mo Chuid Aodaich has been led by Pròiseact nan Ealan (PnE) and Crossroads Care Lewis, with the help of literally hundreds of community members across the island and the support and kind donations (all going to Crossroads) of hundreds of audience members. Marina Murray, CnaG’s Gaelic Initiative Officer for North West Lewis, who has been involved in the project, said: “This is a very appealing project – it brings all members of the community together by using and promoting Gaelic in a fun and innovative way and it provides a highly entertaining evening to audiences in each area where it is shown. It is also pleasing to note that the charity ‘Crossroads’ has gained from this with all proceeds raised from the event being donated to them.” It is hoped that the project will have a lasting legacy and will be used in other communities across Scotland as a project to bring people together and explore our joint pasts through fashion and using Gaelic. An evaluation is underway, being carried out by Dr. Finlay Macleod, and we hope to be able to share the results of this over the coming months. We hope the Borve production will be as well attended as all previous productions and that the local community and those from further afield will come out to support everyone involved and for a great night of entertainment. If you would like to find out more about Na Mo Chuid Aodaich please contact Pròiseact nan Ealan on 01851 704493 or email pne@gaelic-arts.com. Entry at door – no ticket price, al donations to Crossroads Lewis. Clan Macquarrie Community Centre, Borve, at 7pm on 12th September.
