Ishbel McFarlane is a performer, writer and theatre maker whose work focuses on social justice, feminism, place, history and language. She’s most widely known for her show O is for Hoolet – a solo show about the Scots language which led her to work with BSL and Gaelic specialists to provide training on Scotland’s minority native languages. In this conversation, we explore her decision to become theatre-maker rather than pursue a PhD, the relationship between experimental and literary traditions in Scottish theatre, and the thinking that might lead you to retire successful shows. You’ll also hear us talking about the still-missed Glasgow venue, The Arches, as well as our involvement with another space – the Bedlam, Edinburgh’s student theatre.
- Ishbel’s website
- Ishbel’s monthly column for The National, written in Scots