National Theatre of Scotland:
Coming Back Out Ball
National Theatre of Scotland is a ‘theatre without walls’, creating theatre for traditional as well as unconventional spaces, and developing unique collaborative projects with communities across Scotland.
In June 2021, National Theatre of Scotland hosted a spectacular digital event which celebrated Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender Diverse, and Intersex Elders in Scotland. The Coming Back Out Ball was an evening of music, dancing and creativity, hosted online by Karen Dunbar and Jamie Rea.
Featuring performances from Scottish icon Horse, folk music collective Bogha-frois, and performance poet and Stonewall 2020 Book Award Winner Dean Atta, the event also included legendary playwright Jo Clifford and a special contribution from Maggie Kinloch.
The Coming Back Out Ball began back in 2018, when National Theatre of Scotland’s Artistic Director Jackie Wylie met the Melbourne-based team at All The Queen’s Men, an independent community-focused arts organisation who pioneered the first Coming Back Out Ball and Social Dance Clubs.
Inspired by All The Queen’s Men’s work with LGBTI+ elders, National Theatre of Scotland wanted to bring their concept to Scotland to thank their older LGBTI+ community for the decades of campaigning they have done and to celebrate them.
This would be the first time that this radical community focused project has been created and shared outside of Australia.
Back at home, National Theatre of Scotland initiated discussions in which older members of the LGBTI+ community said they feared they may ‘return to the closet’ as they lose independence with age, particularly if needing to rely on carers or residential care. The project aimed to strengthen the LGBTI+ over 50s community and promote their visibility and safety, as well as address ageism, social isolation, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
Portraits of an LGBTI+ Generation - Liz & Edward
Credit: Tiu Makkonen
“I am so proud we've created a space where our Elders can step forward, in their own time, on their terms, to share their stories and express themselves.”
- Lewis Hetherington, Creative Lead
In May 2019, the theatre launched monthly Social Dance Clubs for LGBTI+ Elders and allies. Taking place around Scotland, these dance clubs were led by a team of LGBTI+ artists and offered an opportunity for people to come together freely for dancing, fun and friendship.
The aim, prior to Covid-19, was to bring all participants together for the Coming Back Out Ball. When the pandemic struck, National theatre of Scotland were able to respond quickly. With the knowledge that the majority of their dance club members were online, they moved the clubs to a digital platform to keep connections alive and maintain their relationship with the members.
Coming Back Out Ball Social Dance Club
Credit: Tiu Makonnen
Since their inception, the Social Dance Clubs in Scotland have nurtured an ongoing friendly safe space for an underrepresented community. Dance Club members, in collaboration with the creative team, developed The Coming Back Out Ball over a period of two years.
As well as music and dancing, the Ball also offered the chance for participants to chat at their Zoom tables with fellow attendees. The final event reflected and amplified the voices and stories of older members of the LGBTI+ community, celebrating the remarkable people who have fought for the rights that LGBTI+ people have today.
Dean Atta
Credit: Tiu Makonnen
“We can be ourselves, we can embrace who we are and no one judges us.”
— Social Dance Club participant
26
in person Dance Clubs took place between Glasgow and Inverness
17
online dance clubs took place during the pandemic
8
additional pop-up dance clubs were scheduled including Ayr, Lyth, Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth and two extra pop up dance clubs were cancelled due to Covid-19
Approximately
211
attended the Ball (including 24 table hosts) with hosts Karen Dunbar & Jamie Rea and performers Horse McDonald, Dean Atta and Jo Clifford.
Accompanying the Ball and the Social Dance Club was an exhibition in Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art featuring photographs and videos taken by The Coming Back Out Ball’s photographer in residence Tiu Makkonen.
Portraits of an LGBTI+ Generation brought together a selection of the Elders who have taken part in the project.
While their digital platform has brought new LGBTI+ elders from England, Wales, Canada, Germany and Australia, National Theatre Scotland is committed to ensuring they can still reach audiences and raise awareness through the LGBTI+ Portraits of a Generation exhibition and its potential to tour across the country.
Portraits of an LGBTI+ Generation - Tracy
Credit: Tiu Makkonen
“I dont feel alone anymore.”
— Social Dance Club participant