The Tailor of Inverness by Matthew Zajac 2008, 2009,2010 & 2011
The Tailor of Inverness is a story of journeys, of how a boy who grew up on a farm in Galicia (Eastern Poland, now Western Ukraine) came to be a tailor in Inverness. His life spanned most of the 20th century. His story is not straightforward. He was taken prisoner by the Soviets in 1939 and forced to work east of the Urals, then freed in an amnesty after the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. He then joined the thousands of Poles who travelled to Tehran, then Egypt, to be integrated into the British Army, fighting in North Africa and Italy. He was then resettled in Britain in 1948, joining his brother in Glasgow. This is the story he told.
“In case it isn’t clear yet my advice is don’t miss it. It’s the most satisfying seventy five minutes that I’ve spent in the theatre in a long time. “
Myk Mykyta, Radio Adelaide Arts Breakfast 2009
“…brilliantly encapsulates the effects of war on individuals, families and societies… As the truth becomes less and less certain, so the fracturing impact of the war grows more tangible, lending this touching personal story the grand metaphorical weight of 20th century history. All this and live fiddle too.” Mark Fisher, The List 2008
“I loved your play. It was just amazing. I wonder if you want to come to NY to perform. This is the best play in the Fringe.” Michael Nachmany, New York
“Yesterday I saw your play. It was excellent and very moving. It was your father's personal story but it was also a story of every Polish family. My husband’s Granny (78years) saw also with me the play. She doesn't speak English but she had tears in her eyes after the show . I wish people in Poland could see your play too.” Joanna Jankowska, Edinburgh
“…how incredibly impressed I was by The Tailor of Inverness - not only was your performance extraordinarily assured and theatrical but it explored a whole range of vital issues about identity and uncertainty which is increasingly the heart of the modern experience. Beyond that, of course, it was unbelievably moving and unexpected even though dramatically you had set up the denouement with exceptional skill. I really hope that this makes it to the London stage.” Misha Glenny, London
“I found it incredibly moving, thought provoking and interesting, wonderfully acted and produced, and it is something that will stay in my head for a long time.” Kate Boileau
“Last night my wife and I were at the Arches theatre in Glasgow - it was a truly memorable evening, seeing Matthew Zajac in The Tailor of Inverness. Please convey our congratulations to everyone who helped make this one of our best ever theatre experiences. ” Henry Perfect, Glasgow
“It was truly the best piece of theatre I have ever seen.” Liz Bishop, Inverness
Myk Mykyta, Radio Adelaide Arts Breakfast 2009
“…brilliantly encapsulates the effects of war on individuals, families and societies… As the truth becomes less and less certain, so the fracturing impact of the war grows more tangible, lending this touching personal story the grand metaphorical weight of 20th century history. All this and live fiddle too.” Mark Fisher, The List 2008
“I loved your play. It was just amazing. I wonder if you want to come to NY to perform. This is the best play in the Fringe.” Michael Nachmany, New York
“Yesterday I saw your play. It was excellent and very moving. It was your father's personal story but it was also a story of every Polish family. My husband’s Granny (78years) saw also with me the play. She doesn't speak English but she had tears in her eyes after the show . I wish people in Poland could see your play too.” Joanna Jankowska, Edinburgh
“…how incredibly impressed I was by The Tailor of Inverness - not only was your performance extraordinarily assured and theatrical but it explored a whole range of vital issues about identity and uncertainty which is increasingly the heart of the modern experience. Beyond that, of course, it was unbelievably moving and unexpected even though dramatically you had set up the denouement with exceptional skill. I really hope that this makes it to the London stage.” Misha Glenny, London
“I found it incredibly moving, thought provoking and interesting, wonderfully acted and produced, and it is something that will stay in my head for a long time.” Kate Boileau
“Last night my wife and I were at the Arches theatre in Glasgow - it was a truly memorable evening, seeing Matthew Zajac in The Tailor of Inverness. Please convey our congratulations to everyone who helped make this one of our best ever theatre experiences. ” Henry Perfect, Glasgow
“It was truly the best piece of theatre I have ever seen.” Liz Bishop, Inverness
I come from Gnilowoda. I come from a tailoring school in Podhajce. I come from the Eastern Front because when you are a tailor, they send you to be a soldier. I come from the Soviets and the Nazis. I come from a farm, from the forests and fields of green Ukraine. From the resettlement camps of Germany. From the beaches of the Adriatic. From the grimy streets of Glasgow. And the cool air of Inverness. Now I am here. I am from here. I speak the language of here.
But there is another story, and perhaps a third and fourth one, for in order to survive, he had to adopt different identities. Like all immigrants, the tailor had to adapt and he did that very successfully, integrating himself into the fabric of Highland life. And fabric was perhaps the most important medium through which he achieved this. He made a variety of clothes for thousands of people, including himself, constructing the outward trappings which play a part in defining hwo we are. Fabric. Fabrication.
Crossing the borders from Poland to Russia to Iran to Egypt to Italy to Germany to Scotland, the fable reflects on the Second World War but is personal, intimate and rooted in two cultures: Galicia and the Scottish Highlands. The play uses the central metaphor of the tailor and his fabric. Layers of ghostly clothes are projected on to with a series of still and moving images from the tailor's past and present-day Ukraine. The performance combines storytelling, songs, poetry and physicality with a rich soundscape of live fiddle music and effects.
Crossing the borders from Poland to Russia to Iran to Egypt to Italy to Germany to Scotland, the fable reflects on the Second World War but is personal, intimate and rooted in two cultures: Galicia and the Scottish Highlands. The play uses the central metaphor of the tailor and his fabric. Layers of ghostly clothes are projected on to with a series of still and moving images from the tailor's past and present-day Ukraine. The performance combines storytelling, songs, poetry and physicality with a rich soundscape of live fiddle music and effects.
The Tailor of Inverness previewed at the Arches Theatre, Glasgow on July 29th & 30th 2008 and opened at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh Festival Fringe on July 31st, running to August 24th. Within days of opening, the show became a sell-out. Within a week, it had won a prestigious Scotsman Fringe First Award. By the end of the festival, Matthew Zajac had won The Stage Award for Best Solo Performer at the Fringe and the show was invited to Australia, through winning the Holden St. Theatres Award. The production toured Scotland from late January 2009, going on to Holden St. and the Adelaide Fringe Festival, Australia for four weeks. A visit to the Skelleftea Storytelling Festival, Northern Sweden, and to Umea University took place in April 2009. This was followed by a second Scottish tour. In 2010, the production ran for a second time at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and toured to several Scottish venues before embarking on a tour to Eastern Europe, the origin of the play's story. In Ukraine, we toured to beautiful Lviv and its Golden Lion Festival, to Lutsk, where 500 people attended over two performances and to the capital Kyiv. In Poland, to the briliiant Konfrontacje Teatralne (Theatre Confrontations) Festival in Lublin and to Zielona Gora University. In Germany to Berlin's English Theatre and Kiel's Thespis Monodrama Festival where the show received possibly its longest curtain call ever ! In May 2011, we took the production to Dresden, Germany for the Szene:Schottland Festival at Societaetstheater.
Most of the production's 136 performances to date have been sold out.
Most of the production's 136 performances to date have been sold out.
“This was a play which fully deserved its capacity audience and an artistic achievement which Inverness should be proud of.”
Calum Macleod, Inverness Courier 2009
"Zajac sews up the story superbly...this is a compelling and magical piece of theatre." Edinburgh Evening News *****
"If you want to see something of Scottish theatre at its very best, get thee to the Assembly Rooms and buy a ticket for this diamond-sharp wee number."
edinburghguide.com *****
"...in Zajac's simple, beautiful presentation and performance we feel his sense of self first challenged, then enriched." Financial Times ****
"...a brave biographical piece...that has succeeded in turning a deeply personal family story into a universal work of theatre." Sunday Herald ****
"...theatre at its best...achieves more power, humour and inventiveness in its 75 minutes than most full-length plays manage in three hours...Zajac's performance is phenomenal. It is easy to get swept away by the narratives, the numerous characters and the constant theatrical surprises that Harrison and Zajac create...personal, creative and mesmerising. This should not be missed."onstagescotland.co.uk ****
"...a stunning realisation of the one-man form...visually breathtaking in its simplicity." festmag.co.uk ****
"...it is both familiar and unpredictable, challenging yet funny, epic but also profoundly moving...It carries heart-rending poems in hidden pockets and you should definitely try it on." The Stage
"...a captivating piece of theatre...a must-see." The Inverness Courier 2008
London Evening Standard ****
The Times ****
ADELAIDE FRINGE 2009 – PRESS & AUDIENCE QUOTES
Audience Quotes on talkfringe.com
ColetteL wrote: The performance was powerful, strong and immensely moving. The subject matter so relevant in the present world of mass movement of refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants. I lived in many countries including Ukraine and the saddest thing is that these animosities still exist. This play has a story to tell the world. It is a masterpiece both in the performance and the writing
jeanH wrote: This was quite brilliant. I was entranced throughout.
joancl wrote: Brilliant & emotional very evocative of the time WW2 and afterwards. Seen it twice & got so much out of it
dennisco wrote: Powerful and moving with brilliant orchestration and poetic empathy from the violinist. A true tapestry of richly woven seams of life.
crapdetector wrote: A powerful mix of authentic story-telling and emotional connection.
UberD wrote: Excellent performance in a terrific piece. The actor was totally in command of his material and the story was crisp, clear and compelling. The use of the space and props, the set and lighting all contiributed perfectly to a near perfect show.
Max wrote: This is a truly outstanding piece of theatre. Above all it rings with authenticity. As the story starts down a path we are on the familiar ground of a personal narrative. But the more we are drawn in the more complex it becomes. These are the complexities of life, conflicting realities and truths which cannot be told. And there is no neat ending, just as far as we can get. The acting is seamless and compelling. The production design is masterful. This could play in any theatre in the world.
PaulWO wrote: A brilliant impassioned and searing cry from the heart for all those souls lost in the maelstrom of Eastern Europe in WWII - if these events touched your life it is not to be missed.
beckk wrote: This was the most moving theatre experience I have ever had. I couldn't stop crying as I left the theatre! The story was so familiar, not just because it was strangely similar to my grandfather's, but because it is so common for who knows how many young men and their families from that era. It's a heartwrenching exploration of identity, belonging, and family... and I was shocked when I realised it was the actor's own. The set / production was also fantastic - I absolutely loved the train!
curlysue wrote: Bloody fantastic! So much energy and passion! Amazing! Great use of live footage, images, maps and the use of props to depict various scenes - the fast moving train was my favourite! Loved the live violin - was a gentle yet highly connected touch!
Tania wrote: Outstanding theatre. I loved every minute of it. Well acted, an excellent script, and the violin complemented perfectly.
DanielH wrote: I was extremely moved by this story. It was made all the more powerful by being told by the son about his father. No doubt Matthew Zajac felt it was a story that should be told. I agree. Thoroughly recommended.
trish wrote: A powerful performance which kept me spellbound throughout the entire show. It was a very moving personal portrayal of one man's story and life journey from his birth place in Poland to Inverness in Scotland after WW11. The acting combined with the simple set and music was totally engaging. A must see.
bennyfinn wrote: I loved Tailer of Inverness. I was lucky enough to see it at the Media Launch of Fringe @ Holden Street Theatres. The music is beautiful and this piece is a wonderful example of some amazing storytelling. There are some moments in the piece which are just breathtaking, people who have seen it will understand this. Very theatrical and a huge congratulations to Holden Street for supporting and getting this show to Adelaide!
Halcyon wrote: This is truly wonderful theatre! Thoughtful and thought provoking. Great performance and really well staged production.
ChrisL wrote: Superb performance and production. Very moving. Thank you for bringing this play to Adelaide!
“The Tailor of Inverness is exactly the kind of show one hopes to experience in a Fringe festival. Simply but imaginatively staged and convincingly performed by a skilled actor whose character portrayal is warm and entertaining.”
Greg Elliott, Independent Weekly Review, Adelaide
“Gripping and evocative, The Tailor of Inverness ….has a lot to live up to after winning three awards at the Edinburgh Fringe, but it doesn't disappoint.”
Rachel Broadley, The Fix, Adelaide
“…powerful, emotional, captivating with an awakening text and an exceptional performance.”
Marija Perejma, Latvietis, Australia
“There are some brilliant production moments and some heart-rending scenes….Zajac… is a powerful performer and the bio play will resonate with many.”
Samela Harris, The Adelaide Advertiser
Opening Venues 2008
Preview Performances
Arches Theatre, Glasgow
Premier & Opening Run
Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Touring Venues 2009 AUSTRALIA
Holden Street Theatre, Adelaide, Australia
SWEDEN
Vasterbottensteatern, Skelleftea Storytelling Festival, Sweden
Umea University, Sweden
SCOTLAND
Tron Theatre, Glasgow Celtic Connections 2009
The Catstrand, New Galloway
Eastgate Theatre, Peebles
Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh
Webster Memorial Theatre, Arbroath
Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline
Tower Mill, Heart of Hawick
Byre Theatre, St. Andrews
MacPhail Theatre, Ullapool
An Lanntair, Stornoway
Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Sleat, Skye
Arainn Shuaineirt, Strontian
Druimfin, Tobermory, Mull
Lossiemouth Town Hall
Woodend Barn, Banchory
Lonach Hall, Strathdon
One Touch Theatre, Eden Court, Inverness
Rosehall Village Hall, Sutherland
Lochinver Village Hall
Plockton High School, Wester Ross
Lyth Arts Centre, Caithness
Lemon Tree Arts Centre, Aberdeen
Grassic Gibbon Centre, Arbuthnott
Stracatharo Hall, Inchbare, Brechin
Tullynessle & Forbes Village Hall, Aberdeenshire
TOURING VENUES 2010
SCOTLAND
CARNEGIE HALL, CLASHMORE, DORNOCH
NAIRN BOOK & ARTS FESTIVAL www.nairnfestival.co.uk
E4 COW BARN, BRISTO SQUARE EDINBURGHwww.underbelly.co.uk
EDEN COURT THEATRE INVERNESS www.eden-court.co.uk
CITIZENS THEATRE, GLASGOW www.citz.co.uk
ARCHES THEATRE GLASGOW (IETM PLENARY)
UKRAINE
GOLDEN LION FESTIVAL, LVIV, UKRAINE
VOLHYNIA UNIVERSITY, LUTSK, UKRAINE
KYIV-MOHYLA UNIVERSITY, KYIV, UKRAINE
POLAND
KONFRONTACJE TEATRALNE, LUBLIN, POLAND
ZIELONA GORA UNIVERSITY, POLAND
GERMANY
ENGLISH THEATRE, BERLIN, GERMANY
THESPIS FESTIVAL, KIEL GERMANY
Touring Venues 2011SZENE SCHOTTLAND, SOCIETAETSTHEATER,DRESDEN, GERMANY
Calum Macleod, Inverness Courier 2009
"Zajac sews up the story superbly...this is a compelling and magical piece of theatre." Edinburgh Evening News *****
"If you want to see something of Scottish theatre at its very best, get thee to the Assembly Rooms and buy a ticket for this diamond-sharp wee number."
edinburghguide.com *****
"...in Zajac's simple, beautiful presentation and performance we feel his sense of self first challenged, then enriched." Financial Times ****
"...a brave biographical piece...that has succeeded in turning a deeply personal family story into a universal work of theatre." Sunday Herald ****
"...theatre at its best...achieves more power, humour and inventiveness in its 75 minutes than most full-length plays manage in three hours...Zajac's performance is phenomenal. It is easy to get swept away by the narratives, the numerous characters and the constant theatrical surprises that Harrison and Zajac create...personal, creative and mesmerising. This should not be missed."onstagescotland.co.uk ****
"...a stunning realisation of the one-man form...visually breathtaking in its simplicity." festmag.co.uk ****
"...it is both familiar and unpredictable, challenging yet funny, epic but also profoundly moving...It carries heart-rending poems in hidden pockets and you should definitely try it on." The Stage
"...a captivating piece of theatre...a must-see." The Inverness Courier 2008
London Evening Standard ****
The Times ****
ADELAIDE FRINGE 2009 – PRESS & AUDIENCE QUOTES
Audience Quotes on talkfringe.com
ColetteL wrote: The performance was powerful, strong and immensely moving. The subject matter so relevant in the present world of mass movement of refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants. I lived in many countries including Ukraine and the saddest thing is that these animosities still exist. This play has a story to tell the world. It is a masterpiece both in the performance and the writing
jeanH wrote: This was quite brilliant. I was entranced throughout.
joancl wrote: Brilliant & emotional very evocative of the time WW2 and afterwards. Seen it twice & got so much out of it
dennisco wrote: Powerful and moving with brilliant orchestration and poetic empathy from the violinist. A true tapestry of richly woven seams of life.
crapdetector wrote: A powerful mix of authentic story-telling and emotional connection.
UberD wrote: Excellent performance in a terrific piece. The actor was totally in command of his material and the story was crisp, clear and compelling. The use of the space and props, the set and lighting all contiributed perfectly to a near perfect show.
Max wrote: This is a truly outstanding piece of theatre. Above all it rings with authenticity. As the story starts down a path we are on the familiar ground of a personal narrative. But the more we are drawn in the more complex it becomes. These are the complexities of life, conflicting realities and truths which cannot be told. And there is no neat ending, just as far as we can get. The acting is seamless and compelling. The production design is masterful. This could play in any theatre in the world.
PaulWO wrote: A brilliant impassioned and searing cry from the heart for all those souls lost in the maelstrom of Eastern Europe in WWII - if these events touched your life it is not to be missed.
beckk wrote: This was the most moving theatre experience I have ever had. I couldn't stop crying as I left the theatre! The story was so familiar, not just because it was strangely similar to my grandfather's, but because it is so common for who knows how many young men and their families from that era. It's a heartwrenching exploration of identity, belonging, and family... and I was shocked when I realised it was the actor's own. The set / production was also fantastic - I absolutely loved the train!
curlysue wrote: Bloody fantastic! So much energy and passion! Amazing! Great use of live footage, images, maps and the use of props to depict various scenes - the fast moving train was my favourite! Loved the live violin - was a gentle yet highly connected touch!
Tania wrote: Outstanding theatre. I loved every minute of it. Well acted, an excellent script, and the violin complemented perfectly.
DanielH wrote: I was extremely moved by this story. It was made all the more powerful by being told by the son about his father. No doubt Matthew Zajac felt it was a story that should be told. I agree. Thoroughly recommended.
trish wrote: A powerful performance which kept me spellbound throughout the entire show. It was a very moving personal portrayal of one man's story and life journey from his birth place in Poland to Inverness in Scotland after WW11. The acting combined with the simple set and music was totally engaging. A must see.
bennyfinn wrote: I loved Tailer of Inverness. I was lucky enough to see it at the Media Launch of Fringe @ Holden Street Theatres. The music is beautiful and this piece is a wonderful example of some amazing storytelling. There are some moments in the piece which are just breathtaking, people who have seen it will understand this. Very theatrical and a huge congratulations to Holden Street for supporting and getting this show to Adelaide!
Halcyon wrote: This is truly wonderful theatre! Thoughtful and thought provoking. Great performance and really well staged production.
ChrisL wrote: Superb performance and production. Very moving. Thank you for bringing this play to Adelaide!
“The Tailor of Inverness is exactly the kind of show one hopes to experience in a Fringe festival. Simply but imaginatively staged and convincingly performed by a skilled actor whose character portrayal is warm and entertaining.”
Greg Elliott, Independent Weekly Review, Adelaide
“Gripping and evocative, The Tailor of Inverness ….has a lot to live up to after winning three awards at the Edinburgh Fringe, but it doesn't disappoint.”
Rachel Broadley, The Fix, Adelaide
“…powerful, emotional, captivating with an awakening text and an exceptional performance.”
Marija Perejma, Latvietis, Australia
“There are some brilliant production moments and some heart-rending scenes….Zajac… is a powerful performer and the bio play will resonate with many.”
Samela Harris, The Adelaide Advertiser
Opening Venues 2008
Preview Performances
Arches Theatre, Glasgow
Premier & Opening Run
Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Touring Venues 2009 AUSTRALIA
Holden Street Theatre, Adelaide, Australia
SWEDEN
Vasterbottensteatern, Skelleftea Storytelling Festival, Sweden
Umea University, Sweden
SCOTLAND
Tron Theatre, Glasgow Celtic Connections 2009
The Catstrand, New Galloway
Eastgate Theatre, Peebles
Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh
Webster Memorial Theatre, Arbroath
Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline
Tower Mill, Heart of Hawick
Byre Theatre, St. Andrews
MacPhail Theatre, Ullapool
An Lanntair, Stornoway
Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Sleat, Skye
Arainn Shuaineirt, Strontian
Druimfin, Tobermory, Mull
Lossiemouth Town Hall
Woodend Barn, Banchory
Lonach Hall, Strathdon
One Touch Theatre, Eden Court, Inverness
Rosehall Village Hall, Sutherland
Lochinver Village Hall
Plockton High School, Wester Ross
Lyth Arts Centre, Caithness
Lemon Tree Arts Centre, Aberdeen
Grassic Gibbon Centre, Arbuthnott
Stracatharo Hall, Inchbare, Brechin
Tullynessle & Forbes Village Hall, Aberdeenshire
TOURING VENUES 2010
SCOTLAND
CARNEGIE HALL, CLASHMORE, DORNOCH
NAIRN BOOK & ARTS FESTIVAL www.nairnfestival.co.uk
E4 COW BARN, BRISTO SQUARE EDINBURGHwww.underbelly.co.uk
EDEN COURT THEATRE INVERNESS www.eden-court.co.uk
CITIZENS THEATRE, GLASGOW www.citz.co.uk
ARCHES THEATRE GLASGOW (IETM PLENARY)
UKRAINE
GOLDEN LION FESTIVAL, LVIV, UKRAINE
VOLHYNIA UNIVERSITY, LUTSK, UKRAINE
KYIV-MOHYLA UNIVERSITY, KYIV, UKRAINE
POLAND
KONFRONTACJE TEATRALNE, LUBLIN, POLAND
ZIELONA GORA UNIVERSITY, POLAND
GERMANY
ENGLISH THEATRE, BERLIN, GERMANY
THESPIS FESTIVAL, KIEL GERMANY
Touring Venues 2011SZENE SCHOTTLAND, SOCIETAETSTHEATER,DRESDEN, GERMANY
