Support "Wilt Thou Go"- Highland Dance Show

For the past 2 years, we have poured our hearts and souls into "Wilt Thou Go," the first full-length show by Shot of Scotch Vancouver and the first of its kind in Highland dancing. “Wilt Thou Go” explores the Scottish legends attached to traditional Highland dancing, particularly their links to the events of the Jacobite Rebellion and the Battle of Culloden in 1746. After the Highlanders were decimated at this battle, the British government banned kilts and bagpipes and deliberately dismantled a clan system that for centuries had sustained a culture, a language, and a unique way of life. In our work, we tackle questions about what is true: How and why do we tell these stories in modern Highland dance? Can we reclaim culture through dance?

 

Despite the challenges and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have spent countless hours researching the historical legends attached to traditional Highland dancing and creating a work that has forever changed our perspectives on our role as ambassadors of Highland dance in Western Canada. We have assembled a team of incredible professionals, including 8 dancers, 4 musicians, 5 designers, 2 technicians, and a dramaturg. We are breaking boundaries and exploring aspects of our culture and dance form that have never been examined. As a fan and a friend of Highland dance, you know how this show could be an eye-opening, life-changing introduction to these traditions and present-day communities.

 

Producing such a large production as “Wilt Thou Go” is no easy task, and even more so during these uncertain times. Our plans to present the completed work in April 2022 have been derailed because our last round of grant applications was unsuccessful. This isn’t a surprising result as there are always far more worthy projects than there is public funding to go around, but this means that we now have ZERO funding to continue our work. We are heartbroken to think that this work will be stalled or even cancelled after we’ve come this far.

 

We are deeply grateful for our presenting partner The Dance Centre, who is doing all in their power to help us pivot our plans to bring this production to their venue. We now plan to present a low-tech showing of the work on April 29, 2022 and to postpone the completed production until November 20, 21 & 22, 2022. The 3-night run of the full production will cost $50,000 in artist fees, studio and theatre rental, costumes, technical production elements, marketing and administrative fees. We will reapply for as many grant opportunities as possible, but now we turn to YOU – our friends, our mentors, our community – to help us close the funding gap. With a goal of $25,000, every single dollar raised will directly support the artists and make this show a reality.

 

Our goal may seem high and lofty, but we only need 250 donations of $100 to get there! Truly though, a gift of any size is deeply appreciated and will bring Wilt Thou Go one step closer to completion. Your generosity will make "Wilt Thou Go" happen!

 

We are pleased to offer a selection of exciting benefits for gifts of $25 or more, including online access to a recording of the Apr. 29th showing of “Wilt Thou Go”; VIP tickets to the full production next November, and even a private whisky tasting with performances by the Shot of Scotch Vancouver company.

Donor Level Benefits

 

$25-99: Shout out on social media and our sincere thanks

 

$100-299: Exclusive behind the scenes videos, dancer interviews and access to streamed recording from Apr 29th showing of work

 

$300-499: SoS Vancouver T-shirt and VIP seats to full production in November 2022

 

$500-749: Private Highland dance lesson for you and up to 8 guests by the Artistic Director of Shot of Scotch Vancouver (to be arranged for a mutually agreed upon date)

 

$750-999: Private whisky or wine tasting for you and up to 5 guests (to be arranged for a mutually agreed upon date)

$1000+: Title sponsorship and event recognition tailored to suit you

 

Thank you so much for your generosity, and we hope to see you at the show in November!