Description: There is a growing curiosity in the distinct Ulster Scots culture and language. A stage extravaganza called On Eagles Wing has recently been premiered in Belfast, on the scale of Riverdance, and highlights the migration of Ulster Scots to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some may ask, where is the grass roots representationof this cultural identity, which has received much media controversy in recent times?
The answer is in the work of the Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra Association and particularly in this presentation of 'Fae Lang Syne'.
"Nae Goats Toe" is a group of professional performing artists led by Willie Drennan, which have recently emerged, from the Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra. Nae goat's toe is a common Ulster phrase that refers to a person who is unique, perhaps special, but at least not normal.
The Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra plays regularly to packed houses in Northern Ireland and often travels abroad. They have produced five recordings with their latest CD's-Planet Ulster, Endangered Species and Bringin It Thegither, being particularly successful. Recently they have also set up a youth folk orchestra. The show 'Fae Lang Syne' provides insight to the Ulster Scots people - from ancient times to the present day. Major historical events refer to -ancient migrations, Saint Patrick, 17th century Lowland Scots migrations to Ulster, King Billy, American Hillbillys, United Irishmen and the Battle of the Somme.
Fae Lang Syne has been designed so that five versatile performers can perform it or accompanied by the full Ulster Scots Folk Orchestra for larger venues.
Show Description...The Ulster Scots/Scotch Irish...Who are they? Major historical events have moulded a distinct culture and a people of independent mind. This spirited performance of story, song, dance, fiddles, flutes, bagpipes and thundering Lambeg Drum, is informative, insightful and highly entertaining.
Reviews
There were many favourable reviews and some comments
were:
"Spirited and fun stuff.... an interesting way of articulating major historical events that have shaped a distinct cultural body."
The Scotsman
"Ulster Scots take Fringe by storm in debut show."
The Herald
"This motley crew of Ulster Scots have enough spirit and passion to give the whole audience goose bumps... The simplicity with which they speak, sing and play is sincere and moving.... A concise history of Ulster imbues their beautiful music and song with tradition and depth."
Three Weeks
"All the performers are a delight...some remarkable dance routines...quite uncanny.
Edinburgh Guide
Clearly the performers love the music they play.... from wailing laments to jigs and drum driven marches."
The Stage
This rip roaring show was a unique highlight of the 2004 Fringe...a whirlwind experience in one hour...as someone of Irish decent, it made me more sympathetic to their calls for recognition as a unique part of our interrelated cultural heritage."
Counter Culture
The end result was a huge emotion of having been on a very special voyage, a challenging of so many different preconceived ideas.... an insight into a cultural connection to be proud of...an evening of incredible entertainment which is infectious and has left me wanting to travel more and I promise you if you get a chance to see this phenomena, you will not regret one single beat of the drum!!"
Mac Spy
Drennan, Trotter and the others can be proud of this show which will surely continue to travel around the world, showing a neglected side of our culture to Americans and others.
Newsletter
A very talented group of musicians, once again the festival has introduced something fresh with Nae Goat's Toe.
Belfast Telegraph